by B. L. Babb

Created on: June 27, 2010

A car's engine.  Simple to operate, just turn the key and the engine starts (if all is in order) and you shift gears and away you go.

A car engine is a complex compilation of various closed systems.  Closed in that no outside interference is needed to operate for a limited time. 

The systems are electrical, fuel, ignition, combustion, cooling, air conditioning/heating, and even more systems are on your car for operation.

Let's examine the cooling system closer.

The cooling system is composed of many components working together to keep the engine at a temperature that is not detrimental to the components. These include the radiator, the water pump, thermostat, hoses, heater core, and the antifreeze.

Yes, the antifreeze is also an important part of your cooling system.  Straight water does not possess the heat removal properties of antifreeze nor the corrosion protection for the metals in the cooling system.

There are many different types of metals in the engine.  The block may be cast iron, the cylinder head(s) can be aluminum, brass fittings (and thermostat components), and other metals may be present in the cooling system.

Because each metal has different properties, meaning they react to heat differently, the cooling system's proper operation is imperative.

Aluminum heats quicker than cast iron, expanding faster and different chemical reactions can cause corrosion in either metal.

In addition, many do not realize that your car's cooling system is pressurized, that is the purpose of the pressurized radiator cap. 

When your engine is cold, the water in the engine block recirculates, water from the radiator is not permitted to flow until the engine reaches the temperature predetermined by the temperature rating of the installed thermostat.  Once the thermostat warms up from the water, the thermostat will lift off its seat and water will begin to flow from the radiator.  When the thermostat is fully open, the full flow of water to and from the radiator is in full swing.

At the radiator the fan pulls air through the cooling fins to help remove some of the heat before the water recirculates back to the engine block.

If a faulty thermostat is suspected, do not just remove the thermostat.  Many in colder climates do this and then fail to remember this has been done come winter temps when the heater will not function correctly.

Remove the thermostat from the car.  Place a pot of water on the stove and set the heat

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>