We all know that a running Engine generates a lot of heat. Left to its own, an Engine would generate so much heat, that it would damage itself and no longer function in a matter of minutes. The fuel inside a cylinder combusts at around 4500 degrees and this heat generated is similar to the blast of fire blown out by an oxyacetylene cutting torch. A Cooling System is essential to keeping your engine at the correct temperature so that not only does it stay running, but also so that the components involved are not out of alignment due to drastic temperature changes.
The Cooling System removes excess heat from the engine, helps to maintain constant engine operating temperature, helps bring the temperature of a cold engine up quicker and provides heat for the passenger compartment.
A liquid cooling system circulates a combination of water and coolant (antifreeze) through the water jackets in the engine’s cylinder block and the cylinder head. The coolant collects excess heat on metal parts and carries this heat away from the engine. This system has more precise control of operating temperature, less variation in temperature, reduced exhaust emissions and improved heater operation to warm passengers. Hot coolant flows from the cylinder head to the radiator, where it is circulated through the tanks and core. Heat then transfer into the tubes and fins and as it does, cooler air flows over and through these fins removing the heat. The air is pulled through the radiator by a cooling system fan. This increases the volume of air that can pass through the radiator, and helps especially when a vehicle is standing still. This fan is driven by a belt or motor.
The spinning engine crankshaft pulley powers a drive belt which turns the water pump pulley, pump shaft and impeller. Coolant trapped between the blades is thrown outward by centrifugal force. Coolant is pulled out of the radiator, through the lower hose and into the pump, then into the engine to be circulated through the block, around the cylinders, up through the cylinder head and thermostat and back into the radiator.
The thermostat expands and contracts with changes in engine temperature and controls coolant flow though the radiator. It reduces coolant flow when the engine is cold and increases the flow when the engine is hot. The thermostat Is typically under a housing between the engine and the end of the upper radiator hose.
Keeping your engine running at the right temperature is serious business. Serious damage can occur very quickly if all is not well with your Engine Cooling System. Your vehicle will have a temperature gauge that is easily visible to the driver. If you ever notice anything unusual, please call our Service Representative at Jammin J Auto at 314.423.3876 as soon as possible to discuss how quickly your vehicle needs to be in for an evaluation. There are regular preventative maintenance actions you can take to keep this system running properly, visual inspection of hoses, and other components as well as a pressure test for any leaks in the system and even a complete flush of all water and coolant to remove old fluid and clean the many lines and internal areas involved in this system.