The main faults of the engine cooling system
Malfunctions of the engine cooling system can pose a great danger to the power unit. The point is, that the main task of this system is to maintain the engine temperature in a fairly narrow and limited range.
We also recommend reading the article about the device of the engine cooling system. In this article you will learn about the types of cooling systems, principles of work, basic structural elements and their purpose.
In other words, the power unit must not be cold, and its operating temperature must not be exceeded. The cooling system constantly maintains the optimum engine temperature, at which the maximum productivity is provided, fuel economy, the engine resource of the internal combustion engine is preserved, the necessary environmental indicators are achieved, etc..
Engine cooling system malfunctions are possible
Combined cooling system is actively used on modern cars, which is a combination of air and liquid system. This solution allows you to most effectively maintain a given temperature for different types of internal combustion engines, regardless of their type and design features. The device of such systems includes a large number of different elements. For this reason, the list, to which the basic malfunctions of system of cooling of the engine are brought, is quite wide.
Let's start with that, that the working fluid is present in the cooling system, cooling (OS). Previously, such a liquid was ordinary water, but today antifreeze or antifreeze is widely used. This special fluid has certain properties, which allow to provide not only fast exit of the internal combustion engine to working temperatures and the further qualitative cooling of the motor, but also to maintain efficiency, as well as to extend the service life of individual elements of cooling systems.
It is necessary to know, that of the coolant level, as well as the efficiency of the entire engine cooling system directly depends on the condition of the working fluid. Let's add, that the service life of such fluid is limited. Antifreeze or antifreeze is recommended to change each 2-3 years or later 40-50 thousand. Km. mileage. In some cases, example, when changing one type of coolant to another, it is recommended to additionally flush the cooling system.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how and what to wash the engine cooling system with your own hands. In this article you will learn about the available ways to flush the system, as well as about various means, which allow you to remove scale, decay products of antifreeze and other deposits.
- Now let's move on to the faults themselves. One of the most common problems is radiator malfunctions, pump and thermostat. As for the radiator, this element begins to flow, its outer surface may become clogged or internal channels may become clogged. In some cases, the radiator needs repair. In case of problems with the thermostat, the engine may overheat or not reach operating temperatures, staying cold. It depends, as the thermostat carries out bypass of liquid on a small and big circle. Normally, when heating the coolant in a small circle, the device opens access to the radiator. If this does not happen, there will be overheating. In that case, when the thermostat constantly keeps the large circle open, the liquid will not be able to warm up, and the motor will not reach operating temperature.
- Water pump malfunctions (pumps) lead to leakage of coolant in the area of the pump seat, as well as before, that the circulation of fluid may be completely or partially stopped. As a result, the engine overheats, there is a risk of damage to the cooling system by pump wear products, etc.. Pump jamming on motors is especially dangerous, where the pump is driven by a timing belt. If the centrifugal pump gets stuck and breaks the drive belt, then on many power units as a result of the wick of the valve of the timing mechanism.
Faults in the cooling fan must also be noted. They are most often related to car drive, where the specified element is actuated mechanically, possible malfunction of the thermal relay or electric motor in the case of an electric fan, low oil pressure in hydraulically driven devices, problems with viscous coupling, etc.. - Another common failure is burnout of the cylinder head gasket, as well as defects of the cylinder head plane in the area adjacent to the cylinder block. There are also cracks in the BC or cylinder head, affecting the channels of the cooling system (engine cooling jacket). Quite often, problems with the nozzles lead to loss of tightness, which may be cracked or clogged, coolant leaks appear at the point of attachment.
- Problems with electronics also deserve special attention, which interacts with the cooling system. Engine temperature sensor malfunctions or problems with the temperature indicator on the instrument panel are quite common. Let's add, that malfunctions or malfunctions of temperature sensors can lead to that, that the cooling fan may not work properly, resulting in deviations from the optimum temperature range during engine operation.
The cause of the failure of the cooling system of the internal combustion engine
The most common causes of problems with the cooling system are: natural wear of elements, mechanical damage, violation of the requirements and recommendations for the operation of the power unit. Remember, that the use of low-quality coolant, mixing antifreeze with antifreeze, installation of low-quality spare parts during repairs are often the causes of failure of the cooling system. Note, that unprofessional intervention during maintenance or repair may also lead to breakdowns and malfunctions.
In parallel, this must be taken into account, that problems with the cooling system require immediate elimination, as different consequences for the engine are possible. In some cases, overheating, getting antifreeze in oil and other malfunctions can become the reason of full replacement of the power unit without possibility of its restoration. Example, large cracks in the cylinder block or in the cylinder head can lead to water hammer, overheating causes jamming of the engine, etc..
The so-called hidden problems are no less harmful, such as engine detonation due to motor overheating, local overheating, etc.. Even clogged with dirt and fluff on the outside of the radiator can be the cause, that there is an increase in coolant temperature, The engine overheats. The fuel in the cylinders detonates, there is a burnout of the cylinder head gasket, the head of the block from heating "leads", destroyed CPG and KShM, cracks appear in the head and the block itself.
Given the above, the cooling system requires constant monitoring. The coolant level in the expansion tank must be monitored, as well as timely change the working fluid. There are also a number of signs, by which the driver can determine the faults of the cooling system. These include:
- Engine overheating, which is visible by the temperature arrow on the instrument panel or the light bulb. This option is also possible, when the pointer does not work properly. Then the overheating of the cooling fan may indicate overheating. Specialists determine the elevated temperature by the condition of the spark plugs, which are covered with a white plaque.
- Another sign of failure is a cold engine, which does not reach operating temperature for a long time or at all. In this case, the oven in the cabin is not heated, the radiator pipes warm up immediately when the engine warms up. In this case, the thermostat becomes a frequent culprit. By the way, it is impossible to operate the cold motor in the usual mode. In other words, on the unheated internal combustion engine it is impossible to aerate and subject the motor even to standard loadings.
An inspection of the cooling system components and the engine itself may reveal external coolant leaks. In this case, you can see a decrease in the coolant level in the tank, as well as to detect stains on parts or under the machine, to feel the characteristic sweet smell coming from the antifreeze system on the warmed-up motor. A more dangerous phenomenon is the internal leakage of fluid from the cooling system. In this situation, there are no stains on the outside, but the coolant level still drops. The engine with such problems begins to smoke white smoke, the oil level in the crankcase may start to rise.
Note, that the latter situation is a rather dangerous case, which indicates the active ingress of coolant into the lubrication system of the internal combustion engine and engine oil. This problem is indicated by the characteristic emulsion, which is visible on the probe, as well as on the inner surface of the oil filler cap. This emulsion is a light foam. In such a situation, you should prepare for the repair of the engine, the machine can no longer be operated. It is necessary to prepare for serious repairs, as cracks of BC or cylinder head are possible, which can often be detected and eliminated only after disassembly of the power unit.
Let's summarize
As you can see, the service life of the whole motor depends on the condition of the cooling system. For this reason, this system must be maintained in a timely manner and quality, ??it is better to change the coolant with flushing.
I would like to add more, that attention should also be paid to the radiator of the interior heater. The point is, that this element on many cars is included in the circuit of the engine cooling system and can leak. A clear sign is the wet floor under the driver's feet, stains, etc., while the level of antifreeze in the expansion tank naturally falls. In this situation, the oven radiator needs to be replaced or repaired.
Also, when replacing the coolant, the cooling system should be pumped, that is, remove air plugs. It's pretty easy to do. At the unscrewed cover of an expansion tank it is enough to gas intensively at idle. This will remove air from a working cooling system, which will ensure full efficiency.
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