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A semi-truck will have either a crossflow or a downflow radiator, which cools the vehicle and prevents the engine from overheating. Where they’re placed plays an essential part in how they operate. However, each type offers its own unique benefits depending on the size and style of truck that you have. Below is a guide on how both components differ.

Crossflow Radiators

In a crossflow design, the coolant tanks are set side by side, so the liquid enters from one side and flows into the other horizontally. The space under the rig’s hood dictates if you can fit a crossflow radiator since they tend to be wider. They fit best in trucks with low profile hoods and shorter vertical space.

No matter where the tanks are located, larger radiators will always have a higher cooling capacity, so crossflow and downflow radiators of the same size and material will offer similar cooling benefits. However, crossflows are available in double pass and triple pass configurations, meaning coolant passes through the system twice or three times in a cycle. This leads to better cooling efficiency since temperatures remain 10 to 20 degrees lower than single-pass designs.

Downflow Radiators

radiatorFor downflows, the coolant tanks are attached at the top and bottom of the core, with the tubes running vertically. The coolant starts in the top tank and moves downward to the bottom before being sent back into the engine. These radiators are taller and regularly found in older models since they were the standard for some time. They tend to be narrower as well, so if width under the hood is a concern, this is your best option.

One downside to this design is the pressure cap location. It is usually on the top of the tank, meaning it’s located where heat and pressure rise to their highest point. As the engine heats up, the cap may be forced to open to relieve pressure, which means coolant venting is happening early in the cycle, and your radiator could be heating up quicker than it was designed to.

 

For radiator services including radiator repair on your semi-truck, call American Radiator & Heat Exchanger in St. Louis, MO. Their experienced team can handle anything from heat exchangers to industrial radiators for big rigs, tractors, and contractor equipment. They also offer soldering and fabrication on a variety of vehicles, including forklifts and wood chippers. Call (314) 725-3357 for more information on their repair services, or visit them online for a look at their gallery.

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