Car coolant flange

Flange is a connector that connects blocks or pipes. In addition, flange is used for attachment or packing. There are different kinds of flanges in the car. For example, coolant flange, gearbox shifting flange, suction flange. In course of time flange can not tightly fit. But the cause also may be in packing. In many cases you need to change both flange and packing.

More than usually this happens with plastic flanges - in course of time its material worsens. Plastic becomes porous and liquid leaks out. But problems may also appear with flanges made of other materials. It isn’t difficult to substitute the flange. You must pour liquid off and disconnect the terminals. Moreover, it is necessary to unbolt the bolts in a special way. You need to have a special instrument to do this. Not any car owner has it. But in any case you don’t need to buy the flange in a service centre.

In most cases flange is not expensive. It is a relatively simple spare part. Also there is no need to buy old auto parts. If the flange was damaged, you should substitute it with a new one. Otherwise, this may result in leakage or other problems and will cost more than to repair it. Also you can buy another car parts in our online store, independent suspension joint, for example, nozzle for washer, wiper blade, ignition coil, ignition distributor, windscreen wiper motor or liquid cooling radiator. Our Internet shop is always at your disposal. Here your order will be quickly processed.

How to detect malfunction of the engine coolant flange

Absence of cooling liquid leakages and its level should be checked every day. After every 10 thousand km of mileage, the component is to be mandatorily tested. Inspect the component: it should not have cracks and traces of leakage. The best way to make sure than the flange is OK is checking the antifreeze level in the expansion tank. It should be 30-40 mm above the minimum. Note that when the engine is running, and some time after stopping, the antifreeze level may exceed the norm.

You may notice that the engine coolant flange needs diagnostics by the following criteria:

• coolant level gradually decreases;
• antifreeze leakages are detected;
• the motor often gets overheated;
• engine power dropped;
• more fuel is consumed;
• odor of coolant in the passenger compartment.

Reasons of the engine coolant flange malfunctions

Cracking of the component's surface is the result of regular exposure to high temperatures. The use of poor quality coolant may result in corrosion. Regular exposure to aggressive chemicals results in appearance of products of wear that clog the components. Flange displacement may be caused by loosened fasteners as a result of constant vibration. The component also gets deteriorated due to wear and tear, failure to observe the maintenance schedule, or unskilled repair.

Replacing the engine coolant flange

Due to the fact that the component is not expensive, replacement is preferred to repair. To replace the engine coolant flange, do the following:

• drain the coolant into a prepared container;
• disconnect hoses;
• to replace the front flange, disconnect the wiring from the coolant temperature sensor;
• unscrew the damaged component, and carefully remove it;
• prepare the seat for a new flange; if necessary, smooth it with a file, and degrease;
• coat the new component with sealant;
• install the component, tighten the nuts;
• connect hoses;
• install the temperature sensor;
• fill the system with coolant.

After a new flange has been installed, it is recommended to perform the following:

• start the engine;
• after it warms up to the optimal temperature, speed it up to medium or higher rpm.

Let the engine run in this mode for a few minutes. This will allow to remove the air lock from the cooling system. If the coolant level in the tank is below the permitted level, top up antifreeze. Note that flanges are to be replaced once in two years, and in some cases, after every 60 thousand km of mileage.