LIMITATION AND REPAIR
I. LIMITATION
The engine cooling system is intricately connected to the engine, serving to absorb heat
directly from it and facilitate the transfer of that heat away. As a result, encountering
errors within this system is inevitable. It is crucial to recognize that the cooling system
plays a vital role in a vehicle's overall performance; therefore, drivers may face significant
challenges should any issues arise within this system.
1. Relating to coolant fluid
There are many reasons leading to the breakdown or problems with the car. According to a
report in Japanese car newspapers, the common error is related to the engine overheating.
Engineers want to design the structure of cars to optimize the ability to spread out the heat
from the engine directly from the air, but that’s not enough to transfer the huge
temperature. The engine cooling system can handle the rest of the work. As above, the
mechanism of the engine cooling system uses the coolant fluid to transfer heat away so the
fluid plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and preventing overheating. Overheating
occurs and leads to potential damage to the engine if there are issues related to coolant
fluid.
The coolant fluid doesn't need to be replaced frequently, so that is the reason why many
drivers forget to check the fluid. The hoses can be downgraded over time, so the fluid can
leak out of the system, leading to significant damage due to overheating quickly the engine
and inefficient cooling. A leak can begin as a small problem., so it's hard for any driver to see
the problem. When the driver detects the leak, the problem may have already happened,
potentially causing harm to the engine. The engine can start showing signs like overheating,
a sweet smell, visible steam, and white smoke. The overheating warning light comes on
when the temperature sensors detect the quick increase of heat from the engine. The
coolant fluid has a distinct sweet smell, often likened to syrup. Typically, you notice the smell
after you see the white steam rising from the radiator. If the smell is strong after driving, it
indicates a significant coolant fluid leak.
Another reason this occurrence is infrequent is that the driver often errs in selecting the
appropriate type of coolant fluid. Depending on the climate where you live and the brand of
your car will have a distinct way to blend the ideal coolant fluid mixture. If the concentration
of antifreeze in the mixture is too high, this can reduce the fluid’s ability to transfer heat
because of the more efficient water. But if we blend too much water in the mixture, it will
not have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures like in winter. The corrosion of pure
water is also a significant concern as it damages internal components. This process can cause
metals and other materials to break down, which decreases efficiency and can lead to system
failures. As corrosion byproducts build up over time, these problems can worsen. Therefore,
regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to maintain the equipment's longevity and
safety. Sometimes, the heat can’t be transferred regularly causing some regions to have
higher temperatures than others. This leads to a phenomenon known as localized
overheating which occurs when air pockets are added or refilled without properly bleeding
the system, air bubbles can become trapped. When air bubbles get stuck, the system cannot
work well.
2. Relating to the thermostat
The thermostat is a special component, a temperature-sensitive valve within the engine’s
cooling system, that can regulate the coolant flow based on the engine’s temperature. When
the engine temperature is low, the thermostat remains closed to minimize the path of the
coolant fluid. This configuration prevents the coolant from circulating to the radiator and
back to the engine, thereby optimizing the engine's cooling efficiency. In contrast, as the
engine warms up, the thermostat gradually opens, reaching a maximum of about 80 to 85
degrees Celsius, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator to prevent overheating. This
mechanism provides an efficient engine performance and protects it from temperature-
related damage. So, when the thermostat fails, causing overheating and poor temperature
control in the engine which will result in significant damage.
The thermostat plays a special role by continuously opening and closing due to changes in
the engine temperature. The component can degrade, wear out, or fail due to factors like
aging, corrosion, or manufacturing defects. Over time, exposure to coolant fluid—which may
contain rust or other contaminants—can cause the metal components of the thermostat to
corrode. The extreme heat and high pressure are no exception. The thermostat can be
expanded to lead to distortion and impaired functionality if exposed to extreme heat for last
long time.
II. REPAIR
Regularly inspecting and maintaining the entire car, not just the engine cooling system
extends vehicle life and reduces repair costs. Many modern cars are equipped with
sensors that warn drivers when they encounter problems in specific areas to fix or
replace as quickly as possible.
The technician (OBD device) will check all components of the engine cooling system and
notify you if any problems occur. Leaks in hoses and connections, as well as issues with
the radiator and coolant reservoir, can be difficult to detect with the naked eye. A
technician will identify the components that need to be replaced to prevent further
coolant loss, such as damaged hoses. Once the damaged hoses are resolved and before
refilling the new coolant fluid, the cooling system should be cleaned out to remove any
dust, rust from the metal components, and corrosion built up over time. Remember to
remove any trapped air from the hose to prevent localized overheating after the new
one is filled. Regular maintenance checks can help to identify these issues early, reducing
the likelihood of severe engine damage.
In the engine cooling system, the thermostat must also be replaced and maintained
when it fails to optimize its cooling ability. The thermostat can also be diagnosed by the
technician. Upon verification, they will drain the coolant before removing the thermostat
and plug the new one in, ensuring that all seals are secure to prevent potential leaks.
Adding the new routine as checking the thermostat’s operation to the routine service,
can help in catching issues before they worsen. The quality of coolant fluid affects the
thermostat’s lifespan. Choosing a suitable coolant can extend the thermostat's life by
reducing wear and tear.
Several components in the engine cooling system can become degraded or damaged, not
just the coolant fluid and thermostat. These include the radiator fan, hoses, and water
pump. To ensure the health of the engine cooling system, it's essential to follow a
scheduled maintenance plan that includes regular inspections, checks, and necessary
replacements. Educating the drivers the fundamental knowledge but important such as
monitoring for signs of overheating, leaks, unusual smells, or steam. Being proactive can
prevent major issues and extend the life of the engine. Regular maintenance is the sole
way to bring the best performance to your vehicles and also the safety on the road.
