
Cooling
System
PURPOSE
OF
COOLINGSYSTEM
Purpose of the coolingsystem is to carry heat away
from hot engine components in order to maintain
properrunningconditions andclearances.Overheat-
ing can severely damage engines. The cooling sys-
tem must carry off the excess heat.
Regulatingcoolanttemperaturehelpskeeptheengine
attheoptimal heatlevelforeachoperatingcondition.
Afterstarting, theengine mustwarm upquickly. Dur-
ing periods of peak output, it must be adequately
cooled.
ANTI-FREEZEAND CORROSION
Corrosion can shorten anengine's lifebyplugging up
radiator cores, buildinguparound hotspots nearthe
exhaust valves, and settling inlowareasof the block.
The corrosive sediment insulates against proper heat
transfer and holds heat in. Mostof themetalsused in
coolingsystems aresusceptibletocorrosion damage
that causes coolant leaksandthetemperature to rise
above safe, normal limits.
To prevent corrosion, a mixture of anti-freeze and
water should always be used as an engine coolant,
even when freezing temperatures are not expected.
Besides preventing coolant freeze up, anti-freeze
contains rust inhibitors that prevent corrosion. Most
anti-f reeze manufacturers recommend a minimum
50-50
mixofethyleneglycolanti-freeze andwaterfor
winter and summer in closed water systems with a
complete change every year to avoid corrosion and
more expensive damage.
HIGHTEMPERATURE CUT-OFF SWITCH
The hightemperature cut-off switch shuts down the
engine if the coolant reaches a dangerously high
temperature. This normally closed switch senses
coolant temperature in the engine cooling jacket.
When engine temperature rises beyond a specific
pointtheswitchopens, breakingthecircuittothefuel
solenoid. When coolant temperature falls to a safe
operating rangetheswitch closes, permitting engine
restarting.
Stopping of the engine due to action of the high
temperature cut-off switch is nota normal condition.
Examinethe cooling system todetermine thecause
oftheoverheating and repair as required.
16
COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The cooling system includingtheblock and radiator
should be cleaned and flushed at least once a year.
This
is
especially true in cold weather conditionsor
when preparing unit for extended storage (over
30
days or more)!
The cooling system can work efficiently onlywhen it
is clean. Scale and rust in the cooling system slow
down heat absorption and restrict water flow.
Thethermostat iscalibratedtoopen at 150°F
*
2OF.
It
should be checked also.
I
An appropriate anti-freeze mixtureshould beusedin
colder climates as necessary.
Check the fan belt tension periodically. For proper
operation of the water pump, thefan belt should be
tight enough to prevent slipping.
Check thewater pumpfor wear periodically. Loosen
thefan belt and movethefan and water pumppulley
back and forth. If wear is excessive, replace the
bearing.
Cleaning and FlushingCoolingSystem
To clean rust and scale deposits from the cooling
system, drain system and then fill with clean water
and cleaning solution. Use an approved chemical
cleaner (such as type used for cleaning automotive
coolingsystems)andfollow instructions providedby
thesupplier.
Contact with hot coolant might
resultinseriousburns.Donotbleed
hot, pressurized coolant from a closed cooling
system.
Cleaningsolutionstypicallycontain
strong chemicals that can cause
burns or other injury if used improperly. Read all
warning labels carefully before using.
When cleaning is complete, drain cleaning solution
and flush system. For best results engine and radia-
tor, or heat exchanger, should be reverse flushed.
Allow engine to cool as much as possible before
flushingwith coldwater.
Never pour cold wafer into a hot
engine. Doing
so
may crack the
head or the cylinder block. Do not operate engine
without coolant for even a few minutes.
Flush system if engine operation indicates clogged
passagesoroverheating.
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