Internal combustion engine cooling systems can be divided into two types - air and liquid. The most common liquid, although it is more correct to call it mixed. And she, like any mechanism, breaks down from time to time.
Any internal combustion engine is a huge source of heat. But with excessive heating, the metal expands. In addition, the air / fuel mixture evaporates quickly or ignites spontaneously. To prevent this, a cooling system is used, which is liquid and air. Most modern cars have a fluid system. True, it would be more correct to call it combined, since there is forced airflow of the radiator with an electric fan.
When the engine is running, it drives a pump that creates fluid pressure. The latter circulates in two circles - small and large. All elements participate in the small circle, except for the radiator. Switching between circles occurs using a thermostat, which is triggered at a certain temperature. But it happens that minor and major breakdowns occur. It is necessary for every driver to know the main symptoms by which you can quickly identify the malfunction and fix it.
Broken thermostat
The thermostat is required to warm up the engine to operating temperature. Therefore, in the default position, it will circulate the liquid in a small cooling circle. In this position, jamming of the mechanism most often occurs. Hence it follows that the liquid does not enter the radiator, it does not cool well, therefore it boils.
If there is a problem with the thermostat on the road, you can revive it, however, it will not work to get it working properly. Light tapping on the case can make the mechanism work. But the effect of such actions is very small, it will be much better to remove the insides from the case. This will ensure circulation in a large circle, overheating of the engine will be excluded. But you need to remove the thermostat on a cold engine, after draining the coolant.
Broken expansion tank
When heated, the liquid expands and needs to go somewhere. The expansion tank acts as such a "transshipment point". All excess coolant goes into it when heated, and when it cools, it returns to the system. It is not uncommon for cracks to form on the tank. They can appear from friction against body elements, from carelessness (accidental impact).
But more often there is a breakdown of the tank lid. It contains two valves - an inlet and an outlet. The first one opens when the pressure in the system drops to 0, 13 atmospheres. The second one opens when it is exceeded - about 1, 1-1, 3 Atmospheres. These two valves provide an operating range in which the coolant:
- has a high boiling point;
- circulates better through the system.
If the valve, which opens when the pressure is exceeded, fails, the expansion tank and pipes swell. This is accompanied by the boiling of the coolant.
Damage to the radiator of the cooling system
Most often, it simply clogs up inside or outside. Insufficient cooling and an increase in operating temperature are the first signs. Washing the outside with pressure water or blowing air is the best way to cleanse. If the channels are clogged inside, then it is necessary to remove the radiator and rinse it under pressure.
Sometimes the temperature sensor, which is installed in the radiator, fails. Symptom - when the coolant is too hot, the electric fan does not turn on. If such a breakdown occurs in the traffic jam, then the way out is to short-circuit the sensor leads so that the fan works constantly.
Leaks can also occur. The reason for them is loose connections. If a leak is found in the radiator, the most effective way to fix it is to replace the radiator. So it is with the pipes, which are dry and covered with small cracks, with a pump, which has broken the tightness of the stuffing box or the bearing has been destroyed.
