Cooling System Balance
The cooling system if sized correctly, will be able to remove approximately 110% of the maximum heat generated by the engine. The basic components and function are:
1. The radiator: it transfers heat from the engine cooling system to the ambient air
2. The engine coolant system: it transfers heat from the engine to the radiator
The engine creating heat and the cooling system removing heat need to be in balance for the engine temperature to remain constant. This is the primary purpose of the thermostat.
In the case of a 180° F. version, the coolant flow rate of a cold engine is very low until it approaches approximately 160° F. Beyond that, the thermostat begins to open and by 180° F. it should be open enough that the coolant flow rate is approximately 60% of maximum along with the engine temperature being constant. Assuming this is the case, the thermostat opens or closes slightly based on the heat load.
This is an oversimplification of course but the thing to remember is that if the thermostat is not in the cooling system then there is not a way to control the amount of heat being removed or the temperature of the engine.
|