What happens to radiators when they overheat?

[Mjp1050]

My radiators started to flicker between colors after reaching 100% capacity. Should I be worried?

 

[bewing]

I don't think so. I've seen that happen, too -- but radiators are smart, and won't go over 100% and blow unless you are reentering an atmosphere with them active. I think they are always safe as long as they are just doing their radiating function.

[Snark]

23 hours ago, bewing said:

I don't think so. I've seen that happen, too -- but radiators are smart, and won't go over 100% and blow unless you are reentering an atmosphere with them active. I think they are always safe as long as they are just doing their radiating function.

Yes, that's exactly right-- they will never cause themselves to overheat.  They'll take themselves fairly high up their "heat bar"... but if there's too much heat to handle, they'll just stop taking on additional heat.  So something else might start overheating because the radiators are maxed out, but the radiators themselves will be fine.

[Mjp1050]

15 hours ago, Snark said:

So something else might start overheating because the radiators are maxed out, but the radiators themselves will be fine.

That's very comforting. Thank you. 

And I should be worried then....

Edited June 20, 2016 by Mjp1050

[bewing]

Heh. Not until its temp bar turns red.