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4-4 COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Flow Chart
Permanent type antifreeze is used as a coolant to protect the cooling system from rust and corrosion.
When the engine starts, the water pump (coupled with the oil pump) turns and the coolant circulates.
The thermostat is a wax pellet type which opens or closes with coolant temperature changes. The
thermostat continuously changes its valve opening to keep the coolant temperature at the proper level.
When coolant temperature is below 69.5 ∼ 72.5°C (157 ∼ 162°F), the thermostat closes so that the
coolant flow is restricted through the air bleeder hole, causing the engine to warm up more quickly.
When coolant temperature is more than 69.5 ∼ 72.5°C (157 ∼ 162°F), the thermostat opens and the
coolant flows. When the coolant temperature goes up beyond 96 ∼ 100°C (205 ∼ 212°F), t he radiator
fan switch conducts to operate the radiator fan. The radiator fan draws air through the radiator core
when there is not sufficient air f low such as at low speeds. This increases up the cooling action of
the radiator. When the temperature is below 91 ∼ 95°C (195 ∼ 203°F), the fan switch opens and the
radiator fan stops.
In this way, this system controls the engine temperature within narrow limits where the engine op-
erates most efficiently even if the engine load varies.
The system is pressurized by the radiator cap to suppress boiling and the resultant air bubbles
which can cause engine overheating. As the engine warms up, the coolant in the radiator and the
water jacket expands. The excess coolant flows through the radiator cap and hose to the reserve tank
to be stored there temporarily. Conversely, as the engine cools down, the coolant in the radiator and
the water jacket contract, and the stored coolant flows back to the radiator from the reserve tank.
The radiator cap has two valves. O ne is a pressure valve which holds the pressure in the system
when the engine is running. When the pressure exceeds 93 ∼ 123 kPa (0.95 ∼ 1.25 kgf/cm², 14 ∼ 18
psi), the pressure valve opens and releases the pressure to the reserve tank. As soon as pressure
escapes, the valve closes, and keeps the pressure at 93 ∼ 123 kPa (0.95 ∼ 1.25 kgf/cm², 14 ∼ 18 psi).
When the engine cools down, another small valve (vacuum valve) in the cap opens. As the coolant
cools, the coolant contracts to form a vacuum in the system. The vacuum valve opens and allows the
coolant from the reserve tank to enter the radiator.