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Cooling System Components

Antifreeze/coolant Hoses
Thermostat Water outlet
Water pump Water jackets
Radiator Cooling fans
Radiator pressure cap Temperature indicators
Expansion tank Engine block heaters

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Cooling System Components

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Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and
water.
An ideal mixture in moderate climates is 50%
antifreeze and 50% water. This mixture provides a
balanced anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosion
protection.
A recommended mixture in cold climates is 60%
antifreeze and 40% water for increased freeze
protection.
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Antifreeze/Coolant
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is most
commonly used and is green in colour.
Ethylene glycol is poisonous and has a sweet taste that
can attract animals and children.
Propylene glycol based antifreeze has the same
basic characteristics of ethylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is not sweet tasting and is less harmful
to animals and children.

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Antifreeze/Coolant
Safe coolants are also available
Phosphate-free ethylene glycol-based
Phosphate and silicone-free, Organic Acid Technology
(OAT). Orange in colour.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) with
additives that are not abrasive to water pumps.
Always use the coolant that is recommended by
the manufacturer for each particular engine.

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Thermostat
The thermostat controls the minimum operating
temperature of the engine.
When the engine is cold, the thermostat prevents
coolant flow to the radiator.
As the engine approaches operating temperature,
the thermostat gradually opens allowing coolant
flow to the radiator.

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 Thermostat
Thermostat operation
depends on heat acting
upon a pellet containing
a specially formulated
wax and powdered
metal.
Heat causes the wax
pellet to expand and
force the pellet outward.

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Water Pump
The water pump moves
coolant through the
cooling system.
Water pumps are
centrifugal-type pumps
with a rotating paddle-
wheel type impeller.
Water pumps can be
belt driven by the
crankshaft or camshaft.

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Radiator
The radiator transfers
heat from the coolant to
air passing through it.
The radiator is a series
of tubes and fins that
expose the heat from the
engine coolant to the
most surface area
possible, maximizing
heat transfer.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
The pressure cap contains a pressure valve that
allows for a pressure increase in the cooling
system, which raises the coolants boiling point.
The pressure is caused by coolant expansion as
the engine warms.
The cap also contains a
vent (vacuum) valve to
allow coolant to re-enter
the radiator as the
system cools and the
coolant contracts.

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Water Jackets
Water jackets are
hollow passages in the
block and cylinder
head(s) that surround
the areas closest to the
cylinders and
combustion chambers.

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Cooling Fans
Cooling fans provide additional air flow
through the radiator at low speed and when
the engine is idling.
The fan may be driven by the engine, via a belt
or, or driven by an electric motor.

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Summary
The fluid used as coolant today is a mixture
of water and antifreeze coolant.
V-belts and ribbed belts (called serpentine
belts) are used to drive water pumps and
power steering pumps, air conditioning
compressors, generators, and emission
control pumps.

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