Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Parts of Cooling System in Automobile and its Working

Author: Stephens H Robertson
by Stephens H Robertson
Posted: Dec 08, 2015

An automobile engine produces large amount of heat when it is running, which results in temperature raise of the engine. If this temperature is not cooled continuously it can lead to destruction of engine. The heat produced will be controlled by cooling system in the automobile. Modern day cooling systems must maintain constant temperature in engine regardless of outside ambient temperature. If engine has very less temperature, it will effect the fuel efficiency of the automobile. Also, if the temperature of engine is very high, it will destruct the engine.

Parts of a cooling system

  • Radiator

Radiator is made of aluminum tubes with aluminum strips between the tubes. Aluminum strips transfer the heat in tubes into the air stream. A plastic tank is present on each side of the radiator that covers the ends of the radiator. On the back side of the radiator, fans are mounted to direct the air flow. The radiator fans maintain the air flow when the automobile is moving slow or at halt.

  • Radiator cap and reserve tank

Radiator pressure cap is a simple unit which maintains pressure in the cooling system to a certain point. If the pressure is higher than the required point, the spring loaded valve which is calculated for correct pressure, will release the pressure. Reserve tank contains the coolant of the cooling system. Depending on the pressure on the radiator pressure cap, amount of coolant is supplied.

  • Water pump

A water pump is mounted on the front of the engine and works whenever engine is running. Water pump is used to maintain the flow of coolant as long as engine is running.

  • Thermostat

A thermostat is a valve that measures the temperature of coolant. If the temperature of the coolant is hot enough, thermostat allows coolant to flow into the radiator. If coolant is not hot enough, its flow is blocked.

  • Bypass system

Bypass system of a cooling system are a pair of pipes which circulate coolant between engine and radiator. Bypass systems are made of rubber hose or a fixed steel tube. If thermostat is closed, coolant is send to the bypass system and pumped back to water pump.

  • Freeze plugs

Freeze plugs are steel cups or discs that are fit in the holes at the side of the engine block. They are present in the passages through which coolant flows. If an engine does not have these plugs, coolant will pour out.

  • Gaskets

In an automobile there are mating surfaces which are machined flat. These machined surfaces are sealed with gaskets in order to regulate the flow of gases and air in case of combustion inside the cylinder or coolant in case of cooling system. Gaskets in cooling system stops the leakage of fluids into the combustion chamber.

  • Heater core

In some cases, there is a necessity to provide heat to the engine. The heat is supplied by the heater core of the engine. It looks similar to a radiator but smaller in size.

  • Hoses

In cooling system there are many rubber hoses that make the plumbing to connect the components of cooling system. The two main hoses are upper hose and lower radiator hose.

Working of cooling system in automobile

Cooling system works by supplying liquid coolant through the passages inside the engine block and head. When coolant passes through these passages it absorbs heat from the engine. Then the hot coolant passes through the rubber hoses and finally reaches radiator which is present at the front of the automobile. Coolant passes through the thin tubes of radiator and gets cooled by the air stream entering engine compartment from the front of the automobile. Once the coolant is cooled, it returns to the engine to absorb heat. When the automobile is in motion, heat is dissipated by the velocity of automobile. If automobile is at rest or moving slowly, heat is dissipated by radiator fans. Coolant is continuously pumped between engine and radiator by a water pump present in the automobile. The flow of coolant into the radiator is controlled by the thermostat present between the engine and radiator.

Cooling system is important in maintaining the required temperature of an automobile. The above mentioned mechanism is a water cooled cooling system. Most of the automobiles use this type for cooling their engines.

About the Author

Airtex Fuel Delivery Systems is the leading aftermarket supplier of mechanical and electric a href=http://www.airtexproducts.comfuel pumps.

Rate this Article
Author: Stephens H Robertson

Stephens H Robertson

Member since: Apr 24, 2014
Published articles: 37

Related Articles