![]() ![]() Traditional stand-alone thermostats also sit inside of housing assemblies - however, they are replaced independently of the housing. A pipe on the housing acts as the coolant outlet. Thermostats that are part of an integrated housing assembly located on the engine block or cylinder head. ![]() Since the turn of the millennium or so, many automakers have transitioned to Some Thermostats Are Integrated Into Housing Assemblies Thermostats usually feature a stamping that shows their temperature rating. To prevent air in the cooling system from being trapped and creating hot spots, most thermostats have some kind of check valve that allows air to pass through and be released. This temperature rating will be stamped visibly on the thermostat somewhere. It will reach the fully open point approximately 15 to 20 degrees higher. Thermostats have a temperature "rating" (such as 180 or 190 degrees Fahrenheit) which is the temperature at which the thermostat begins to open. Here, a typical engine thermostat is shown in the closed position (left) and open position (right).Īs the thermostat opens, the flow of coolant is gradually diverted into the radiator instead. Both of these mechanical methods are simple and durable, with little to deteriorate or break with age. This is thanks to pressure from a piston that's pushed upward in the valve as a wax pellet melts and expands at a certain temperature, and from one of the two springs. When the coolant starts warming up, the thermostat automatically begins to open. The basic components of a thermostat are metal springs, flange, frame assembly, and a valve containing a piston embedded in a special wax. The components of a typical engine thermostat. Instead, the coolant is redirected back into the engine block to ensure it reaches its ideal temperature (around 190 degrees) sooner - regardless of how hot or cold the outside air is. To do this, the thermostat will start off in the fully closed position - blocking any coolant flow into the radiator where it would lose heat. When the engine is started cold, it's important for the sake of engine efficiency and emissions to get things warmed up as fast as possible. When we mentioned a thermostat serves as a switching station, we mean the thermostat is essentially a valve that opens and closes in proportion to the temperature of the coolant. Rather than wait for that to happen, we'll also advise regarding other good opportunities for replacement. Instead, they should be replaced "if and when the part malfunctions". Vehicle manufacturers don't specify a mileage or date interval for thermostat replacement the way they do for an air filter or timing belt, because thermostats are not considered a routine maintenance item. In this article, we'll focus on what thermostats do, how to tell when one is malfunctioning, and provide some guidance as to when they should be replaced. For more details on liquid coolant and the variations of it that exist, see our related articleĪntifreeze Explained: What It Does and Why It's Needed. The chemical makeup of the liquid coolant, as well as the pressure it's under, also raise the boiling point to a higher temperature than pure water - allowing the system to operate at necessary temperatures without catastrophe. Because this mixture serves to lower the freezing point of pure water, it's also described as "anti-freeze". The liquid coolant itself is typically a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and chemicals such as ethylene glycol. Shown here is a typical thermostat location on an engine. Which serves as a switching station to direct coolant to different locations as needed. Radiator that disburses coolant heat to the outside air, a heater core that disburses heat to the passenger compartment, and a thermostat (mounted in a housing on the engine block) When you consider that temperatures within an engine's combustion chambers reach over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a marvel to consider how effective engine cooling systems are at removing that heat - keeping things within a "mild" 180-200 degree range.Ī typical cooling system includes a water pump which circulatesĮngine block for the coolant to flow through and pick up combustion heat, a Opportune Times To Replace A Thermostat.Some Thermostats Are Integrated Into Housing Assemblies. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |