Locomotora
Jacket Water Cores, Aftercoolers and Condensers Explained
A locomotive cooling system has multiple functions. The jacket water core cools the water that circulates around the engine cylinders. The aftercooler lowers the temperature of compressed intake air from the turbocharger, helping the engine receive denser air and support efficient combustion. The condenser typically serves the air conditioning circuit, keeping the cab comfortable for the crew. Mechanically bonded cores join the tubes to the header plates mechanically rather than with solder, which can suit applications exposed to constant vibration. Knowing which cooling circuit has a problem helps identify which core needs replacing and which dimensions to check first.Send Your Locomotive Core Specifications
Need a core for an upcoming overhaul or a unit that is out of service? Send the part number or your drawing dimensions through the Dolphin Catalogue enquiry cart. For large-format or custom cores, speak to the team on +97167032999 or write to info@dolrad.ae with the locomotive model and quantity required.FAQs About Locomotive
A locomotive radiator core is the finned tube section that transfers heat from engine coolant to the air. It sits inside the cooling group and performs the primary heat-rejection function. Locomotive cores are much larger than road vehicle cores, with sizes up to 2781 x 873 x 183 mm.
A jacket water core cools the water that flows through the engine block and around the cylinder liners. This circuit carries away a large share of the engine’s heat. On a diesel locomotive, a healthy jacket-water core helps keep the prime mover within its operating temperature range during long hauls and steep gradients.
An aftercooler on a diesel locomotive cools the intake air after the turbocharger compresses it. Cooler air is denser and holds more oxygen, which can support power output, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. The collection includes a CAC locomotive aftercooler measuring 610 x 511 x 140 mm, listed under part number 7973058.
A mechanical bonded radiator core has its tubes fixed into the header plates by mechanical expansion rather than solder. This type of joint can help resist cracking from vibration and thermal cycling, making it suitable for rail and heavy-duty applications. This range includes a 10-row mechanical bonded radiator core measuring 2126 x 1143.5 x 252 mm.
Yes, Dolphin Catalogue lists a Caterpillar 3516 locomotive core under part number 7560545-200. The 3516 is a V16 diesel engine used in rail, marine and power applications. Before sending an enquiry, confirm the core dimensions, row count, and connection layout against your existing unit, so the replacement fits the cooling group correctly.
You can find the right replacement core for your locomotive by matching its height, width, and depth. Measure the old core or check the OEM drawing, then compare it with the millimetre sizes listed. Note the row count and tube layout too. Cores such as 1524 x 1434 mm come in both 92 mm and 115 mm depths.
Yes, locomotive radiator cores can be custom made when a listed size does not match your fleet. Dolphin Catalogue can review customer drawings, dimensions, row counts, and operating conditions to define the required specifications. Share the available technical details so the replacement design can match your cooling group.
Locomotive radiators can fail due to fin blockage, internal scale, corrosion, and fatigue from constant vibration. Dust, oil mist and debris can clog the air side, while hard water deposits can restrict coolant flow. Over years of service, tube joints can crack and leak. Regular cleaning and water treatment can slow down this wear, but damaged cores may need replacement.
Rail procurement teams can request a quote by adding locomotive cores to the enquiry cart on dolphincatalogue.com. Include part numbers, required quantities, and the delivery country. For custom or large-format cores, call +971 6 7032999 or email info@dolrad.ae with drawings or measurements, and the Dolphin Catalogue sales team will follow up on pricing.