Cleaning Radiator Screens in Your Yanmar Tractor

What is the Purpose of the Radiator?

Radiators are found in many combustion engines, and serve as a key component of the engine’s cooling system to prevent overheating. Though most commonly used in vehicles like tractors, cars, and motorcycles, radiators can also be found in everything from airplanes to locomotives.

How Does a Radiator Work?

A radiator has several different parts that work together to keep your tractor’s diesel engine performing at its best. When the thermostat in your engine detects excess heat, it triggers a cooling process. First, coolant and water are released into the radiator hoses and sent through the engine to absorb the heat. As the liquids continue to heat up, they return to the radiator and are cooled by an intake of air from outside the tractor. This process will continue until the engine has sufficiently dropped to a safe temperature.

How to Clean Radiator Screens in Your Tractor

The intake of air into the radiator is vital to your engine’s health. If your radiator screens are clogged with dirt and debris, it will limit airflow leading to overheating and other damaging issues. Fortunately, radiator screen maintenance is about as simple as it gets, and should be checked daily. Here are the steps you need to know to clean the screens in your Yanmar tractor:

Turn off the engine and remove the key. It’s also recommended to chock your tractor’s wheels for an additional safety measure.
When the engine has cooled, lift the hood and locate the radiator screen. Then, slide the screen out. Different tractors can have different configurations that may include multiple screens or a locking clip that needs to be turned before you remove the screen. In some cases you may also have to lift the tractor’s loader to access the screens.
With the radiator screen removed, put on safety glasses and use compressed air to blow dirt and debris off the screen. It’s suggested that you keep the air under 30 psi to minimize mess and protect the screen’s integrity. If you’re needing a deeper clean, you can also use water and a soft-bristled brush.
Once your radiator screen or screens are sufficiently clean, slide them back into place on your tractor and lock the clip if your screen has one.

Just four simple steps is all it takes to keep your radiator screens clean and your tractor operating efficiently.

Connect With Yanmar

The Yanmar Customer Experience team has all the resources you need for tractor maintenance. From walkthrough videos like this to comprehensive articles, we’re here for you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369 with any questions.

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