How does water flow in a car radiator?

When the engine warms up, the wax melts, expands and pushes the valve open, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator. When the engine stops and cools, the valve closes again. Water expands when it freezes, and if the water in an engine freezes it can burst the block or radiator.

Where does water flow through a radiator?

After doing its thing, the coolant flows through the upper hose to the radiator where it releases the heat. Then, the water pump sends it back down into the engine’s water jackets to continue the cooling process.

Does flow direction matter on a radiator?

Registered. water flow: no difference. air flow: left<->right no difference. up<->down heat rises so most people go up.

Does it matter which side of radiator flow and return?

The vast majority of new TRV’s are bidirectional and can be fitted to either the flow or return, but it is always good practice to fit them to the flow side. If a non bidirectional TRV is fitted on the return side it will create a vibrating sound as the water tries to flow though it.

Do radiators only flow one way?

Pipes from one radiator lead to another and do not cross, so you orient the radiator the same way as the other radiators on the same floor are oriented. If you only have one radiator, you will need to get into your neighbor’s apartment to figure out which way the pipes are going.

Can radiators flow both ways?

Most modern thermostatic radiator valves are bi-directional – so can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator. However, it’s always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator.

Can a radiator be installed backwards?

More About Engine Fans. A word about installation: It is possible to install an engine fan backwards. That is, if a correctly installed fan draws air through the radiator, an incorrectly installed fan still draws air through the radiator – it does not blow air through the radiator.

Which way should air flow through radiator?

It should draw air through the radiator from front to back. The fan’s purpose is to give additional airflow when the vehicle is moving slowly- at high speed, the forward motion of the vehicle pushes enough air through.

Can a radiator be fitted wrong way round?

If you fit the radiator in the wrong orientation it can result in a reduction of output, noise from the heating system, or even in extreme cases you can end up with a radiator that doesn’t do anything other than take up wall space. While this doesn’t cause any damage to the system it is very annoying.

Which side of radiator is Inlet?

Radiator Valve Inlet Positions Standard radiators (commonly known as compact radiators) typically have side valve inlets. These are located at the bottom of the radiator too but tend to allow access from the side only (horizontally).

Does it matter which way round radiator valves?

Which way turns a radiator on?

Turn valves clockwise to turn your radiator off and anticlockwise to turn it back on. Turning your radiators off is easy.