The liquid engine cooling system is airtight and is a complex of different elements, interacting with each other. Also, depending on the coolant temperature, the circulation of the working fluid in a small or large circle directly depends.
Usually, the most common faults, faced by motorists, there is a leak of antifreeze or antifreeze, as well as depressurization and air plug in the engine cooling system.
In this article we will consider the reasons for airing the engine cooling system, signs, which indicate that, that air got into the system, as well as the main ways to remove air plugs.
The air got into the engine cooling system: the main signs of zavozdushivaniya
For a better understanding, let's start with the general principles of work. While the engine is cold, the liquid circulates only through the cooling jacket (special channels in the cylinder block and cylinder head), that without entering the radiator. Circulation is provided by a water pump (pump).
After, as the coolant temperature reaches a certain value, the thermostat is triggered, which opens a large circle (the liquid passes through the radiator). If the coolant cooling is insufficient when moving in a large circle, then the engine cooling fan is automatically connected (air cooling).
This is important, to make the system work properly, since its effectiveness depends on maintaining the optimum temperature of the internal combustion engine, normal operation of the interior heater (stoves) etc.
pay attention, these faults can occur for various reasons, that is, the engine begins to overheat not only due to air congestion, however, such a possibility should not be ruled out.
As in any other closed fluid system, air plugs can cause this, that the system stops working normally. In this case, the risk of motor overheating also increases significantly, the oven stops working properly.
- The main sign of air blockage is engine overheating. In other words, the temperature rises above normal, the thermometer can rise to the red zone. At the same time, no deviations may be detected during the coolant level check in the expansion tank.
- Also in the cold season the driver may notice, that warm air in salon practically does not arrive, although the engine is normally warmed up. This also indicates that, that there may be air in the cooling system.
Anyhow, but the air plug does not allow the coolant to circulate normally through the channels of the cooling system. As a result of the broken circulation there are these or those problems. As part of the diagnostics of the engine cooling system, the coolant level in the expansion tank should be checked, and carefully inspect individual parts of the system.
Leaks of antifreeze or antifreeze are not allowed, any visible ??damage to hoses and pipes. You also need to check that the clamps are securely fastened at the joints. This is often the case, that air gets into system precisely because of not tightened or that the long collar became unsuitable.
We will note still, that air can get through inconspicuous cracks in rubber branch pipes, while intense leaks through these cracks may not be. Usually such cracks are not immediately visible, however, a detailed inspection or supply of air to the pressurized system for inspection allows to identify problem areas. Also pay attention to the pump during the test, check the operation of the thermostat and cooling fan.
If all is well, then there is a high probability, that the oven does not work and the motor overheats because of air plugs. In this case, it is necessary to take measures and "expel" such a plug from the cooling system.
How to remove an air plug from the engine cooling system
so, let's start with simple cars (old foreign cars, domestic car industry). On such cars removal of air from cooling system is carried out as follows:
- It is enough to drive the car on an overpass. This is how it should be done, so that the front part is slightly raised.
- Next, you need to unscrew the special plug on the radiator, after which the engine can be started.
- After a few minutes of operation on the twentieth air is vented from the engine cooling system.
However, this method will not help solve the problem on more modern cars. On such vehicles, the cooling system is completely closed, that is, to ventilate the air you need to "expel". To do this, you can go two ways.
The first method involves unscrewing the cover of the expansion tank, then the engine with the lid open runs for XX for a while, then you need to get in the car and gas intensively, raising revs to 3-3.5 thousand. About / min. Next, you need to tighten the cover and check the system.
If this method did not help, then the upper pipe is loosened, coming from the oven. You need to be prepared for that, that the antifreeze itself will begin to flow. Then the engine starts, at the same time it is necessary to watch, when air bubbles disappear from the flowing coolant. Their disappearance will indicate that, that the air plug has been successfully removed from the system. Let's consider this method in more detail on the example of the model VAZ "Kalina".
Before starting work, prepare the keys for dismantling the plastic protective elements. You will also need a screwdriver, to release and then tighten the clamps.
- so, first of all the plastic protection is removed. This protection on the specified model of the vehicle is attached to the body with pins, which have rubber seals.
- Next, you need to remove the clamp from the upper or lower pipe. Now unscrew the expansion tank cover. If the engine is hot, be careful, as the heated coolant can spill out of the tank!
- Then the neck of the tank is covered with a clean cloth. Next, pull the appropriate rubber tube on the neck. Then you need to give some air to the tank, blowing into the tube. It is desirable to do this with a compressor.
Remember, Coolant is a strong poison! Only as a last resort, blow the tank with your mouth, at the same time do not allow coolant to get inside, in the eyes or on the skin, do not inhale money!
- After supplying air to the tank, from the pipe, from which the collar was previously removed, should begin to leak antifreeze. Then you need to make sure, that there are no air bubbles in the leaking coolant, then quickly throw the pipe on the fitting, put the collar in place and tighten it. At this stage, the airing process can be considered complete.
- Next, you will need to bring the coolant level to normal (usually "cold" is poured on 4-5 mm. Above marks "MIN", as after warming up of the internal combustion engine the liquid will increase in volume and will rise to the MAX mark.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to wash rust from the car engine cooling system. In this article you will learn about the available ways to remove rust, scale and other deposits from the radiator and other elements during flushing of the engine cooling system.
- After that, the engine can be started and warmed up. In some cases, as part of this procedure, you need to slightly screw the cover of the expansion tank, without delaying it. Then the power plant should be allowed to idle, periodically raising the speed. This method will remove excess air, which could be formed when topping up the liquid.
- If all is well, the lid can be tightened tighter, however, do not try to tighten it too much.
Tips
That with system of cooling of the engine there were no problems in the course of operation, as well as to extend the life of the components (pump, thermostat), do not use ordinary water instead of antifreeze or antifreeze. It is also not recommended to pour distilled water instead of antifreeze. This water should only be diluted with antifreeze or antifreeze concentrate in the right proportions.
It is also important to remember, that even if the system is airtight, gradually the water evaporates from the system through a special valve, which means the need for regular monitoring of the level in the expansion tank and periodic refilling if necessary. Do not allow the coolant level to drop sharply!
At the same time frequent topping up only with distilled water to maintain the level leads to that, that the density of the solution decreases. This can cause the coolant to freeze in the system during the winter. That this did not happen, you need to check the density with a hydrometer. If necessary, the density is adjusted by pouring undiluted concentrate.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to flush the engine cooling system with your own hands. In this article you will learn about it, how the flushing of the cooling system is performed, as well as subtleties and nuances should be considered in the implementation of this procedure.
Usually, the service life of antifreeze is 2-3 years (depending on the manufacturer, quality of composition, engine condition, etc.). Example, ingress of gases from the combustion chamber into the cooling system, severe engine overheating, total contamination of the cooling system, the use of special sealants for cooling systems such as "stop-flow" and other nuances can quickly make fresh coolant unusable.
Finally, note, that cooling system, as well as the engine itself, requires periodic maintenance adjusted for certain nuances and features of operation. If detected in the system ??dirt, replacement of engine coolant must be carried out with flushing.
The radiator of the car also needs to be periodically washed not only outside, but also inside. This will get rid of rust, scale, decay products of antifreeze or antifreeze, etc.. The result is maximum cooling system performance, which eliminates overheating of the motor even in the most difficult conditions, as well as efficient operation of the oven in the winter.