|
|
The Cooling System
Keeping It Cool
The wind and radiator fan help blow the heat from the radiator. The radiator's primary job is to provide a large surface area from which heat can evaporate. Surface area is increased with the attachment of thin metal fins to the surface area, increasing the evaporation rate.
There are two types of radiators. A cross flow radiator is more prevalent in larger cars with V8 engines. Hot coolant enters on the top left through the inlet and then travels through long tubes to the collector tank at the right and then leaves through the outlet located at the bottom left. Smaller cars are generally equipped with . Coolant enters the top of the radiator from then flows down through a number of smaller tubes. Heat is dissipated as the coolant travels through the radiator before it exits the radiator via the lower radiator hoselower radiator hose and reenters the water pump which will circulate the coolant through the engine in another cooling cycle. A drainage plug is located at the bottom of the radiator for maintenance.
In either type of radiator, a assists in dissipating the intense heat away from the engine. There are two type of radiator fans. One type is attached to the shaft of the water pump and rotates whenever the engine is running. Conversely, an electric fan turns on only after the radiator's internal temperature exceeds a preset setting.
The Water Pump Circulates Coolant
The powers the cooling system by circulating coolant throughout the engine and cooling system. During the combustion process, the water pump receives coolant from the radiator through the bottom radiator hose. After passing through the water pump, coolant is pushed into the engine, where it circulates through special compartments called water jackets, that surround the outside of the cylinders. As the fluid circulates around the cylinders, it picks up heat and eventually returns to the radiator where heat is dissipated into the atmosphere. |
|
|
|
|
|
or
Get your free AutoSpeedNet Account Today
 Home
Forums
Introduction
3DAuto Toolbox
 Articles
When Parts Go Bad
Glossary
Article Pages
1. Cooling System
2. Protecting Your Engine
4. The Thermostat
Hot Topics
-> 7 Point Cooling Checklist
-> Old Coolant Can Damage Your Engine
-> Turning On The Heater Helps Cool An Over-heating Engine!
Have Questions?
Ask The Community
|