INFORMATION SHEET 1.

1-1

” ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM”

Learning Objectives:

After reading the INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

1. Describe the purpose and operation of the engine cooling system.

2. Discuss why a fan is needed, the types of fans, and how each is driven.

The burning air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders may reach 4000°F (2200°C)

or higher. This means engine parts get hot. However, cylinder walls must not get hotter

than about 500°F (260°C). Higher temperatures cause lubricating oil to break down and

lose its lubricating ability. Other engine parts are also damaged. To prevent over-

heating, the cooling system removes the excess heat. This is about one-third of the heat

produced in the combustion chambers by the burning air-fuel mixture.

Purpose of Cooling System

The cooling system keeps the engine at its most efficient temperature at all

speeds and operating conditions. Burning fuel in the engine produces heat. Some of

this heat must be taken away before it damages engine parts. This is one of the three

jobs performed by the cooling system. It also helps bring the engine up to normal

operating temperature as quickly as possible. In addition, the cooling system provides a

source of heat for the passenger-compartment heater-and-air-conditioner.

The cooling system uses five basic parts to do its job of controlling engine

temperature:

1. Water Jackets- The cylinder block and cylinder head have internal passages or

water jackets that surround the cylinder and combustion chamber. Water mixed

with antifreeze flows through the water jackets, picking up heat. This cools the

metal parts and heats the coolant.

2. Water Pump- An engine-driven water pump pushes the hot coolant out of the

water jackets and through the radiator.

3. Thermostat- A thermostatic valve called a thermostat controls coolant flow. When

the engine is cold, the thermostat closes to prevent coolant circulation to the

radiator. This keeps all heat in the engine so it warms up quickly. The engine

produces excessive exhaust emissions of HC and CO when cold. As the engine

warms up, the thermostat opens allow coolant flow through the radiator.

4. Radiator- The radiator is a heat exchanger with two sets of passages. One is for

coolant and the other is for outside air. In the radiator, the coolant loses heat to

the passing air. Then the coolant flow back through the water jackets to pick up

heat again. The coolant circulates continuously between the water jackets and

the radiator.

5. Fan- A fan pulls or pushes outside air through the radiator. This improves engine

cooling, especially at idle and low speed.

The radiator sometimes needs additional airflow through it to prevent the engine

from overheating. This usually occurs at idle and slow speed. At higher vehicle speeds,

the air rammed through the radiator by the forward motion of the vehicle provides all the

cooling that is needed. An engine fan or cooling fan pulls additional air through the

radiator. The fan may be either a mechanical fan or an electric fan.

Engines mounted longitudinally in rear-drive vehicles usually have a mechanical

fan that mounts to the water-pump shaft. The fan is made of sheet steel or molded

plastic. It has four to seven blades and turns with the water-pump impeller. A fan shroud

around the fan directs the airflow. This increases the efficiency of the fan.

Variable-Speed Fan

Many longitudinal engines use a variable-speed fan driven through a fan clutch.

The fan clutch is a temperature-controlled fluid coupling that mounts between the water-

pump pulley and the fan. The air passing through the radiator strikes a thermostatic

blade or spring on the front of the clutch. The temperature of the air causes the

thermostatic device to bend. This operates a valve that allows silicone oil to enter or

leave the fluid coupling.

When the engine is cold, the fluid coupling slips so that fan is not driven. This

reduces noise and saves engine power. As the engine warms up, the thermostatic

device causes more oil to enter the fluid coupling. Then the fan clutch begins to driven

the fan.
Flexible-Blade Fan

Another way to reduce the power needed to drive the fan, and reduce fan noise,

is to use flexible blades on the fan. In operation, slant or pitch of the blades decreases

as fan increases. Centrifugal force flattens the blades so they take a smaller bite of air.

This reduces noise and airflow, and the power needed to turn the fan.

Electric Fan

Transverse engines in front-drive vehicles usually have an electric fan. An

electric motor turns the blades. A thermostatic switch turns on the fan only when

needed. For example, in one engine, the switch turns on the fan when the coolant

reaches 200°F (93°C). It turns off the fan if the coolant drops below this temperature.

On the vehicles with air conditioning, turning on the air conditioning bypasses the

thermostatic switch. The fan runs all the time when the air conditioner is on. The fan is

turned on and off by the electric control module (ECM) in many vehicles with an

electronic engine control system.

Most fans, mechanical and electrical, are pull-type fans. They mount behind the

radiator and pull air through it. Some cars also have a push-type fan. It mounts in front

of the radiator and pushes air through it.

An electric fan drains less power from the engine and creates less noise than a

mechanical fan. Also, there is no fan belt to inspect, adjust and replace.
 SELF CHECK 1.1-1

Direction: Read carefully the questions and give the best answer.

Multiple Choice

1. The amount of heat produced in the combustion chambers that the cooling

system removes from the engine is about

a. One-fourth

b. One-third

c. Half

d. Three-fourths

2. The purpose of the cooling system is to

a. Prevent the coolant from boiling

b. Prevent the coolant from freezing

c. Keep the engine running as cool as possible

d. Keep the engine running at its most efficient operating temperature

3. The part that rotates to circulate coolant between the radiator and water jackets

is the

a. Impeller

b. Propeller

c. Expeller

d. Bypass valve
 4. It is the heat exchanger with two sets of passages

a. Thermostat

b. Radiator

c. Fan

d. Water pump

5. It is a valve that controls coolant flow

a. Water pump

b. Fan

c. Thermostat

d. Water jackets

Fill in the Blanks

1. The burning of air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders may reach _______ or

higher.

2. The cooling system provides a source of heat for the ___________ heater-and-

air-conditioner.

3. An ____________ pulls the additional air through the radiator.

4. Longitudinal engine uses a variable-speed fan driven through a _____________.

5. __________ in front-drive vehicles usually have an electric fan.

Matching Type
1. _____The cylinder block and cylinder head have internal passages that surround

the cylinder and combustion chamber.

2. _____ It pushes the hot coolant out of the water jackets and through the radiator.

3. _____ A thermostatic valve that controls coolant flow.

4. _____ It is a heat exchanger with two sets of passages. One is for coolant and

the other is for outside air.

5. _____ This pulls or pushes outside air through the radiator. This improves engine

cooling, especially at idle and low speed.

A. Fan

B. Radiator

C. Thermostat

D. Water pump

E. Water jackets
 Answer Key 1.1-1

Multiple Choice

1. B

2. D

3. A

4. B

5. C

Fill in the Blanks

1. 4000°F or 2200°C

2. Passenger-compartment

3. Engine fan or cooling fan or fan

4. Fan clutch

5. Transverse engines

Matching Type

1. E

2. D

3. C
 4. B

5. A

Assignment #1

Name: Bingbong Cadiente

Course and Year: BTVTED- Automotive Technology 3rd Year

Activity #1

1. Information Sheet 1.1-1

2. Self Check 1.1-1

3. Answer Key 1.1-1

Instruction

Choose a certain topic and support Activity #1 and provide an objective.

*Font Size (12)

*Font (arial)

*Double spacing

*Short bond paper

Note: Topics should not duplicate the work of your classmates.