Performance Auto Cooling Solutions

The one procedure that will aid in an overheating engine is to test all of the components. A leak-down and coolant pressure test will confirm whether liquid coolant is escaping internally (such as a head gasket) or externally and where it is leaking. If these tests confirm the system is not leaking and is maintaining proper pressure, additional checks need to be done. If the thermostat is stuck shut, it will cause the engine to overheat. It can be tested by removing it from the engine and submerging it into boiling water with a thermostat gauge to confirm it is opening at its advertised temperature. The engine cooling fan(s) need to be confirmed to be in good and operating condition. An inspection of the inside of the radiator will help confirm if it has built-up corrosion, which will keep heat from escaping. If the vehicle stays cool over 45 mph but overheats at low speeds or when stopped at a light, airflow needs to be improved with a better fan cooling system. If the engine previously kept cool, the defective component can be replaced with an identical version. If the engine has never kept cool, a component may be incorrect and will need to be upgraded. Examples include a larger radiator, performance radiator fans, higher flowing water pump, or different thermostat design.

To remove rust from an engine cooling system, a product is available called Evapo-Rust. Simply immerse the item in the solution without scrubbing and within minutes the rust is gone. If choosing to remove rust without removing components, Evapo-Rust Thermocure is the solution. Simply pour it in the cooling system, add water, and then let it circulate. Finally, let it sit and then flush and refill the cooling system. This type of cleaning will improve radiator cooling and overall system performance.

There are several main components to a standard automotive cooling system. The engine builds up heat that must be removed so that the internal parts don’t expand and seize up. To keep heat down, a water pump moves the hot coolant from the engine to the radiator. The radiator is designed to release heat through the fins in its core. It is aided by either electric fans or a mechanical engine-driven fan, which helps pull the heat from the radiator. The cooler fluid then returns to the engine. A thermostat controls coolant flow based on its temperature rating. When the thermostat temperature is reached, a spring expands and opens up a valve allowing coolant to travel from the engine to the radiator through a hose. When the temperature goes down, the thermostat spring contracts and closes its valve, Most automotive applications have a heater to keep passengers warm. This works by pumping hot coolant from the engine into the dash area to a heater core, which is a smaller version of a radiator. This releases heat and with the help of a fan, warms the passenger compartment up. Coolant then is circulated back into the coolant system.

Before a vehicle a/c system can be recharged, it needs to be inspected and tested to make sure it works properly. Typically, if a/c refrigerant is low, there is a leak somewhere. This faulty component needs to be repaired or replaced to prevent loss of refrigerant. Dyes are available for purchase to help identify where Freon is escaping. Once the system has been tested or repaired, it can be recharged. This can be done either by a recharging machine (found at automotive repair shops), or by a small service repair kit available online or at an auto parts store. To refill the A/C system, the low-pressure side of the system needs to be located and then the valve, which is typically protected by a blue cap. After researching the correct pressure for your vehicle, air needs to be removed from the system via a vacuum / recovery machine. Refrigerant can then be added to the system with the engine running and the a/c system turned on (confirmed by compressor clutch engaged).

There are multiple components in a vehicle a/c system that include both mechanical and electrical parts which all need to be tested and confirmed working in order for the system to function properly. A typical automotive a/c system includes a condenser. This acts like a cooling radiator, cooling the refrigerant which is pressurized from the compressor. The condenser is aided in cooling refrigerant by either electric fans or an engine-driven mechanical fan as well as incoming air from the moving vehicle. The compressor includes a clutch, which activates when the a/c is turned on, pumping refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant, now cooled by the condenser, travels to the drier. This container-looking component is designed to remove moisture and humidity from the coolant, providing passengers a cool and dry feeling. The refrigerant then travels through an expansion valve, which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, causing it to cool further. The cooled refrigerant then enters the evaporator, which functions similar to a heater core. The evaporator releases the cold air created by the refrigerant. This is blown into the passenger cabin via a blower motor cooling and heating fan through vents. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor in its low pressure state and is then recirculated throughout the a/c system. All of the mentioned components need to be confirmed to be in working order in order for the air conditioning system to function properly.

There are several reasons that cause automotive heat to not work. A standard heating system works by coolant being pumped from the engine water pump into the passenger cabin area into a heater core. The heater core acts as a small radiator, transferring and releasing the heat from the hot coolant. This heat is then blown through vents via a blower fan. The amount of hot coolant entering the passenger area is controlled by a heater control valve. If no heat is desired, the valve is closed by turning the heat off, preventing hot coolant from reaching the heater core. Depending on the heating system design, the valve may fully open by turning heat on or adjust the amount of heat depending on a lever or knob. All of the above components need to be checked for proper operation in order to identify the reason heat is not working in your vehicle. There also needs to be enough coolant in the cooling system and without any air pockets or bubbles. Testing and replacing the defective component will provide performance heating for your vehicle.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the cooling, a/c, and heating products that you require for your specific application.