The thermostat is one of the main components involved in the operation of a car engine. It performs various functions, for example, it cools the engine, ensures its quick warm-up, etc.
Instructions
Step 1
The thermostat is used in the engine cooling system and controls the flow of coolant between the radiator and the engine itself. Thanks to the operation of the thermostat, the car quickly starts after turning on the ignition and maintains the optimal temperature regime of the internal components while driving. This component has been installed in the engine cooling system since 1922.
Step 2
The location of the thermostat may vary depending on the engine type and model and the cooling system design. Most often it is located at the outlet of the cylinder block or at the inlet of the cooling pump. Modern engines have thermostats with a solid filler - a special chemical thermoelement.
Step 3
From a structural point of view, the thermostat is a temperature sensitive valve housed in a brass frame. Due to the movement of the valve, a disc is put into operation, mounted on the body, which performs the task of a cylinder with a stem inserted into it. One end of the stem is connected to the upper frame of the thermostat, and the other to a rubber cavity in the body. A thermosensitive element is located between them - a mixture of copper and granular wax.
Step 4
The thermostat remains closed when the engine is started. Coolant exits the cylinder block and then returns to its place, quickly warming up the engine. As soon as the coolant reaches 80-90 ° C, the thermostat opens. The thermoelement contained in it begins to melt and expand in volume. In this case, the thermostat housing moves along the stem. The return spring opens the valve disc and circulates coolant through the radiator to cool the engine.
Step 5
As the coolant temperature rises, the thermostat continues to open, allowing more fluid to flow through the radiator. Depending on the operating mode of the engine, the opening value of the thermostat is constantly changing, which allows you to always maintain the optimal temperature in the internal components.
Step 6
Some engines are accompanied by two thermostats, thus forming a dual-circuit cooling system. One of the components maintains the optimum temperature in the cylinder head, and the other in the block circuit. Basically, a similar system is used in racing and simply very powerful cars, reliably protecting the engine from overheating, which is exposed to high temperature loads.
