We often take for granted how significant and how well the cooling system of our vehicles work. Our cars engine runs best went it is at a moderately high temperature, however extremely high temperatures can be detrimental to the engine and render the whole vehicle useless and a costly fix. When components of the engine are cold they are likely to wear out faster with the engine becoming less efficient. A cold engine also emits more pollutants and particle matter than normal. To prevent such from occurring, it is the role of the cooling system to heat the engine up in a fast manner and keep it running at a fairly constant temperature. A lot of components make up the engine cooling system all of which can be custom designed and fabricated at Silverton Radiators in order to achieve an optimum running engine.
To gain insight into how the cooling system works, one has to understand the overall running of the engine. Heat generated from the burning fuel in a running engine escapes through the exhaust system whilst some might be absorbed into the engine causing it to heat up. The cooling system has to then moderate this heat and keep it at a constant. Vehicles can have either an air cooling system or a liquid cooling system, however most cars are fitted with the latter. Air cooling systems make use of aluminium fins which direct heat away from the cylinder. A powerful fan blow air over the fins and in turn cools the engine as the heat is transferred to the air. Such cooling systems are most common in older model vehicles. In liquid cooling systems, fluid is circulated through the passageways and pipes of the engine. The liquid absorbs the heat as it makes its way through which results in the cooling of the engine. The heat which is absorbed by the liquid is expelled through the exchanger as it passes through the radiator. The standard cooling system involving a lot of plumping and piping and is composed various components which ensure the smooth running of the engine.
The Engine
The engine block consists of passageways which direct the fluid/ coolant to the areas of the engine which require it the most. Temperature in the combustion chamber can reach high temperatures, therefore the cooling around the cylinders is vital. Engines can seize if it goes without cooling for a long period of time. If such excessive heating occurs, it is possible for the metal to heat up to the point that the piston will weld itself to the cylinder which leads to the complete damage of the engine. Some engines use a layer of ceramic (a poor conductor of heat) to coat the inside of the cylinder head in an effort to reduce the heat transferred to the metal parts of the engine thereby reducing the demands of the engines cooling system.
Water pump
The water pump allows the movement of fluid into the engine, allowing it to flow through passages around the engines cylinders. The pump is powered by a belt connected to the engines crankshaft. Whenever the engine is running, the pump will circulate fluid. Fluid leaving the pump will first flow through the engine and cylinder head before flowing into the radiator and then finally back to the pump.
Fluid/ Coolant
Fluids used in cooling systems have to be able to function at a variety of temperatures. The fluid used should meet the following requirements; high boiling point, low freezing point and the ability to hold a large amount of heat. Most cars use antifreeze which is a combination of water and ethylene glycol. Water on its own has a high freezing temperature but with the addition of ethylene glycol, both the boiling and freezing temperature is significantly improved. Pressure is also used to further raise the boiling point of the fluid as boiling temperature is higher in a pressurized system.
The Radiator
The radiator is a heat exchanger which is used for cooling down engines. Liquid coolant flows through the engine block and absorbs the heat given off during the combustion of fuel. The fluid then flows back to the radiator and the extra heat is dispelled due to the strong airflow.
Pressure cap
The pressure cap increases the boiling point of the fluid. As mentioned, the boiling point increases when the fluid is placed under pressure. When fluid in the cooling system generates heat, it expands which causes a build-up of pressure. The cap allows the pressure to escape and the spring setting on the cap determines the maximum pressure of the entire cooling system.
Thermostat and Fan
The thermostat allows the engine to heat up and keep it running at a constant temperature. It achieves this by regulating the amount of water that flows through the radiator. If the thermostat which is located in the area where the fluid leaves the engine is open, the fluid will flow through the radiator before going back to the pump. If the thermostat is closed, the fluid will flow directly back to the pump. Vehicles with an automatic transmission generally have circuit for cooling the transmission fluid in the radiator. Much like the thermostat, the cooling fan is also responsible for maintaining a constant temperature within the engine. The fans turn on when the coolant temperature exceed a set point and turn off when the temperature falls below that point.
If you have any cooling system concerns or would simply like to improve your engines cooling system, give us a call at Silverton Radiators and our friendly staff will gladly assist you in our custom design process.