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The Cooling System
The Thermostat Regulates Heat
After sitting for an extended period of time, the engine is cold and needs to heat quickly for optimal performance. However, once the engine is hot, excess heat needs to be dissipated as quickly and efficiently as possible. The thermostat helps regulate engine temperature by controlling the flow of the engine's coolant. As the warms up, the thermostat remains closed, blocking the flow of coolant from insert thermostat image returning to the radiator. The rapidly heating coolant is re-circulated into the engine and permitting it to warm up quickly. Once the engine reaches operating temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing the coolant to enter the radiator, where heat is dissipated. However, if the thermostat fails to open, and the coolant is unable to cool, it will boil and the engine will overheat.
 The is located on the top surface of the radiator. The cap increases Internal radiator pressure which raises the boiling point. Antifreeze further raises the boiling point.
However in the case of overheating, a spring-loaded valve in the cap is pre-set to open once the radiator's internal pressure reaches the release pressure so as to prevent the coolant from exceeding a predetermined temperature and damaging the cooling system. When high cooling temperature raises the systems internal pressure a thermostat is activated and the valve opens to vent the system. The pressure will force some coolant out of the radiator into a coolant recovery system, usually consisting of a recovery tube leading from the top of the radiator to a plastic recovery tank attached in close proximity to the radiator.
The heater control valve opens and closes, allowing hot coolant to circulate through the heater core. A fan blows over the heater core, which forces the heat through the duct work and heats the vehicle.
While the cooling system provides for cooling the engine, the heater core provides heat for the interior of the vehicle on cold days. Designed like a mini radiator, when the heater is turned on, coolant circulates through the heater core and a blower fan helps circulate the heat throughout the vehicle’s interior heater outlets. When the heater is turned off, coolant bypasses the heater core through a bypass valve and circulated back to the radiator. |
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Article Pages
1. Cooling System
2. Protecting Your Engine
3. Keeping It Cool
Hot Topics
-> 7 Point Cooling Checklist
-> Old Coolant Can Damage Your Engine
-> Turning On The Heater Helps Cool An Over-heating Engine!
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