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Perkins 4.212 4.236 4.248 4.2482 T4.236 T4.38 Workshop Service Repair Manual

1) Safety & preparation
- Theory: cooling systems are pressurised and hot; spills create burns/environmental hazard; heavy radiators require safe lifting.
- Action: let engine cool fully; isolate battery negative; wear gloves/eye protection; have drip trays and absorbent. Gather correct replacement radiator, new hoses/clamps, new pressure cap, coolant (Perkins-approved inhibitor mix), tools, lifting sling.

2) Identify fault & confirm radiator is cause
- Theory: overheating/leakage may come from radiator leaks, clogged core, corroded fins, or unrelated items (thermostat, pump, head gasket). Replacing radiator fixes radiator-origin faults only.
- Action: visually confirm external leaks, pressure-loss during pressure test, restricted flow (poor core fin condition), or cooling capacity reduction. If coolant is milky (oil contamination) stop — radiator replacement alone won’t fix internal engine failure.

3) Drain coolant
- Theory: removing coolant prevents spills and reduces weight; draining reduces internal pressure and allows safer disconnection. Coolant must be captured for disposal.
- Action: place drain tray, open drain cock/plug at lowest point (engine block or radiator petcock), open expansion tank/cap only when cool to vent. Remove cap once pressure relieved.

4) Loosen and remove attachments (in order: hoses, fan/shroud, intercooler/oil cooler connections, mounts)
- Theory: cooling circuit components attach to radiator; freeing them lets radiator be removed without stress on hoses/adjacent components. Fan/shroud removal often needed for clearance.
- Action: loosen hose clamps and remove upper and lower hoses; remove bypass or heater hoses as applicable; unbolt fan or fan clutch (support fan if removing); unbolt shroud; disconnect any oil cooler lines or intercooler connections mounted to radiator. Cap and tag hoses to avoid routing errors.

5) Support & remove radiator
- Theory: radiator is heavy and may be connected to mounts and brackets; correct support prevents damage.
- Action: support radiator, remove mounting bolts/brackets, lift radiator clear using sling or two people. Inspect mounting rubbers and brackets; replace if damaged.

6) Inspect related components while radiator is out
- Theory: faults can be caused/enhanced by worn hoses, failing water pump, sticking thermostat, corroded core, or broken fan. Replacing radiator without addressing these can leave the system deficient.
- Action: inspect hoses for soft/crumbly rubber, inspect water pump for leaks/play, check fan clutch/freeplay, inspect thermostat operation (replace if old), inspect oil cooler/intercooler and radiator inlet/outlet faces for blockages or damage.

7) Install new radiator (reverse removal) — ensure correct orientation and secure mounting
- Theory: correct positioning prevents stress on pipes and ensures proper airflow; firm mounts eliminate vibration damage.
- Action: lower new radiator into mounts, fit new or refurbished mounting rubbers, tighten mounting bolts to manual spec (consult Perkins manual). Reconnect shroud and fan assembly; ensure fan clearance. Replace any seals/gaskets where oil cooler or transmission cooler connections were removed.

8) Reconnect hoses & clamps, replace pressure cap
- Theory: new clamps and hoses ensure pressure integrity; worn clamps or hoses cause leaks under pressure. The cap maintains system pressure and raises boiling point.
- Action: fit new or inspected hoses, use proper worm-gear clamps or ear clamps, ensure hose ends fully seated, install new radiator cap rated to original spec.

9) Refill with correct coolant and top-up to recommended level
- Theory: proper inhibitor type and concentration prevent corrosion and cavitation and provide freeze/boil protection. Air in system reduces heat transfer and can cause overheating.
- Action: fill with Perkins-recommended coolant (typically inhibited ethylene glycol mix) to expansion tank level.

10) Bleed air from system
- Theory: air pockets block coolant flow and act as thermal insulators causing hotspots and pump cavitation. Proper bleeding restores continuous coolant column.
- Action: open bleed screws/valves (top of radiator/engine) while filling; if no dedicated bleeds, run engine at idle with heater on high and radiator cap off until thermostat opens and bubbles stop; top-up; fit cap once stable.

11) Pressure/leak test and run-up check
- Theory: pressurising system verifies sealing; running to operating temp confirms cooling performance and absence of air pockets or leaks.
- Action: use a hand pressure tester to pressurise to the cap rating and hold for 10–15 minutes; inspect for leaks. Start engine, warm to operating temperature, verify thermostat opening (temperature rise), check temperature gauge, watch for leaks, and verify fan operation. Re-check coolant level after cool-down and re-torque fittings if needed.

12) Final checks & disposal
- Theory: systems settle after first run; topping up ensures full fill. Old coolant must be disposed responsibly.
- Action: after cool-down, re-check level and tighten clamps/mounts; re-secure battery; clean spilled coolant; dispose used coolant per regulations.

How this repair fixes specific faults (brief):
- External leak (cracked core/pipe): replacement restores pressure boundary; no more loss of coolant or pressure, so boiling point returns to normal and overheating from low coolant stops.
- Internal blockage/corrosion: new radiator restores core flow and heat-transfer surface area, reducing coolant temperature and restoring coolant circulation.
- Reduced heat rejection due to clogged fins/scale: new core provides improved convective/conductive transfer to airflow; lowers coolant temp.
- Pressure loss due to cracked tank or degraded joints: new radiator and new cap hold system pressure, raising boiling point and preventing cavitation/air ingress.

Notes & cautions (concise):
- If coolant contains oil (milky), replacing radiator won’t solve underlying head gasket/oil cooler failure — address root cause first.
- Always replace compromised hoses, clamps, and cap; check thermostat and water pump if symptoms persist.
- Refer to the Perkins workshop manual for model-specific mount locations, torque figures, coolant capacity, and bleed-point locations.
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