MAINTENANCEIf the system pressure exceeds that of the
cap, the excess coolant is pushed out into an
expansion tank. When the system cools down,
the coolant in the system contracts and the
coolant from the expansion tank is drawn back
into the radiator, keeping the system full.The Pump circulates the coolant through the
system. Usually belt driven on smaller engines
and gear driven on larger units. Almost always a
centrifugal design.The Fan can be belt driven or driven by a motor,
either electric or hydraulic. Some designs pull
air through the radiator, some push the air. A
hydraulically driven fan may be designed to
periodically run in reverse for a few seconds
in order to clear any loose debris from the
radiator.The Thermostat is often misunderstood. It’s
there to control the minimum temperature
of the coolant, not the maximum. It controls
the flow of coolant to the radiator, closing
when cold in order to decrease the time spent
warming the engine and opening as the coolant
reaches operating temperature. It will usually
be fully open at between around 85-95 degrees
C. It may also be designed to alter the path the
coolant takes through the engine depending on
whether it’s open or closed.Maintenance.Modern cooling systems are very reliable.
Daily maintenance is usually as simple as
checking the coolant level. On most machines
the level is checked at the expansion tank,
but it’s important to occasionally remove
the radiator cap and check the level there
as a leak in the expansion tank piping can
result in a full expansion tank but low coolant
level in the radiator. Use your manufacturer’s
recommended coolant and avoid mixing
brands. Modern long life coolants come pre-
mixed and are a great investment in the long
term health of your engine. Every few days,
check the tension of any water pump/fan belts
and keep them adjusted to the manufacturer’s
spec. If you’re regularly losing coolant, find and
fix the leak. If a little leak suddenly becomes a
big one, you can overheat an engine in seconds.
Don’t forget to check the pump. Most will have
a tell-tale hole which will leak coolant if the
internal impeller seal is faulty.What can go wrong?The number one cause of cooling system
trouble is dirt. Usually clogging the external
radiator core and restricting the air flow. Dry
dust can be cleared with compressed air but
if there’s oil on the radiator it will need to beAUSTRALIANEARTHMOVING.COM.AU 58Worn pulley and belt
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