Car thermostat and its meaning - why is it important?
Content
Air cooling is mainly used in aircraft and motorcycle engines. Cars have a cooling system, which consists of elements such as:
- cooler;
- snakes;
- coolant;
- thermostat;
- Water pump;
- expansion tank.
In the whole set, the car thermostat is of great importance. What is its application? Learn about its role and the most common malfunctions in order to react in time!
Thermostat in the car - how does it work?
Looking at this item, you'll notice that it's basically a spring valve made from:
- several copper plates;
- gaskets;
- washers;
- a small vent (which can also be used to supply hot liquid in the closed position).
Where is the car thermostat located?
Therefore, its design is not particularly difficult. The thermostat is usually located very close to the engine block (usually at the bottom of the engine block). It may also happen that it was mounted close to the head, therefore relatively high. In any case, the car thermostat should never be higher than the expansion tank.
How does a thermostat work in a car?
The operation of this element is very simple. It is usually designed to open and close at a certain temperature. This is due to the presence of two (more than two in newer vehicles) coolant circuits. When you start the car and the engine is still cold, the car thermostat stays closed. All this in order for the water pump to circulate fluid in and around the cylinder block. Thus, it quickly heats up the unit. When the operating temperature is reached (usually above 85 degrees Celsius), the thermostat opens and the coolant is redirected to the radiator. Thus, excess heat is removed from the engine.
Replacing the thermostat - why is it sometimes necessary?
A broken car thermostat is usually better replaced than repaired. Usually, it is unlikely that someone undertakes to repair such an element, because it is unprofitable. New parts do not have to be expensive, although it happens that in some cars the price of this valve exceeds several hundred zlotys without difficulty! This element fails for various reasons. One of them is the operation of the car on water, and not on coolant. Progressive calcification leads, for example, to the fact that the thermostat does not close. In other cases, contaminants circulating in the system can cause permanent damage to moving parts. How to understand that the car thermostat needs to be replaced?
Damaged Thermostat - Signs of a Component Failure
If the damage is due to "fatigue" of the material, undercooling of the coolant is a common symptom. You will know about the problem by the engine temperature indicator, which will show a much lower value than usual. If this temperature persists after you drive a few to ten kilometers, and besides, warm air does not want to fly out of the deflector, you are almost sure that the car thermostat is out of order.
Broken thermostat - symptoms that are also alarming
Symptoms of a damaged thermostat can also be reversed. Simply put, the liquid will begin to boil quickly. This is because the valve will remain closed and the liquid will not be able to cool. The pointer will then quickly move towards the red box. How to recognize a broken car thermostat? The most characteristic symptoms are the same temperature of the coolant hoses. If the fluid supply and discharge lines are the same temperature, the problem is with the thermostat.
How to check the thermostat to be sure of a malfunction?
Diagnosing the thermostat is simple, although the procedure for removing it from the engine is not always the same. The car thermostat can be located on the transmission side. This can be a problem especially in transverse engines (especially PSA vehicles). However, once you have the item on the table, all you have to do is prepare a few things. Checking the thermostat is easy. Just put it in a container and pour boiling water over it. If it opens, then it works. If not, replace it.
Thermostat repair - is it worth it?
Usually repairing this element is unprofitable. However, in some cases, the part is not destroyed, but only contaminated. That is why it is worth cleaning the car thermostat, which shows signs of breakdown. It is desirable to do this in coolant and do not use gasoline, oil or other liquids for this purpose. Having done this, check with boiling water that the car thermostat opens and closes, and only then proceed with reassembly.
How to repair a car thermostat?
Here are the most important questions:
- remember about gaskets, which should always be replaced with new ones;
- add coolant. If you have not changed it for a long time, it is better to add new fluid to the system;
- do this after the engine has cooled down. Otherwise, you risk your health by unscrewing the thermostat immersed in hot liquid.
It may happen that the plastic housing that the valve is bolted to breaks, so carefully unscrew it and have a spare just in case.
As you can see, the car thermostat is a small but extremely important element in your car. Maintaining the temperature of the engine at the proper level is necessary for its proper operation. Therefore, do not underestimate the situation when you notice the symptoms of a broken thermostat listed above.
