Practical Automotive Maintenance: Cooling System Overview
Watch This Course
$99 USD
-OR-
Or
8 easy payments of only $12.38 USD
Instant access. Easy checkout. No fees.
Cooling System Overview
03.07
| 00:00 | In this section of the course we're going to be focusing on the cooling system of our vehicle and we'll also be looking at flushing and bleeding. |
| 00:07 | A complete cooling system is made up of a range of components that work together to regulate the engine temperature and prevent overheating. |
| 00:14 | We'll discuss key components known as heat exchangers, more commonly referred to as radiators, as well as the parts needed to direct and move coolant through the radiator like water pumps and hoses. |
| 00:25 | In addition, the cooling system will include a thermostat and cooling fans for more accurate temperature control. |
| 00:32 | After a good look into each of these components, we'll run over a simple process that'll show you exactly how to go about refreshing the fluid in the cooling system. |
| 00:41 | Let's now get a brief understanding of how the cooling system operates before diving into each component in more detail in the following modules. |
| 00:48 | Heat from the combustion process is transferred into the engine block and cylinder head which are manufactured with coolant passageways located close to all the areas that see high heat. |
| 00:58 | As our cooling fluid flows through these passages, the heat is then transferred to the coolant fluid. |
| 01:05 | The fluid then travels through the radiator where it's cooled back down by the ambient airflow across the radiator core, ready to begin its journey again. |
| 01:13 | This helps us maintain an optimal engine temperature which in turn ensures reliable and consistent performance, fuel efficiency and emissions output while preventing catastrophic failures that would occur due to overheating of our engine components. |
| 01:28 | The flow is controlled by a water pump which can be driven by a cam belt, accessory belt or electrically powered, which is common in motorsport applications. |
| 01:36 | The temperature of the coolant itself is regulated by a thermostat which is a valve designed to open and close depending on the temperature. |
| 01:44 | When the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed, keeping coolant within the engine block so, the motor can warm up quickly. |
| 01:51 | As the coolant reaches operating temperature, the thermostat gradually opens allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator. |
| 01:57 | If airflow through the radiator is insufficient, say if the car is parked and idling, fans are then used to create the airflow required, keeping the temperature under control. |
| 02:07 | Contrary to popular belief, radiator fans are actually completely ineffective at road going speeds and that's why you'll often see race cars with no cooling fans at all. |
| 02:17 | When it comes to the coolant itself, there's an abundance of color options available which can help identify vehicle compatibility. |
| 02:24 | Different types of cooling fluid like water wetter are also used extensively in motorsport applications. |
| 02:30 | Much like oils, there's a lot more to it than the surface level understanding of which colored coolant we put into our engine and this is something that we'll get into in detail in the next module. |
| 02:40 | This has been a short introduction to the cooling system, so let's quickly go over the main points before moving on. |
| 02:45 | A vehicle's cooling system regulates engine temperature using key components like radiators, water pumps, hoses, thermostats and cooling fans. |
| 02:53 | Coolant flows through the passageways in the engine to absorb heat then circulates to the radiator where it cools before repeating the cycle, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating. |
