What is the major circulation path of engine coolant?
1 Answers
The major circulation path of engine coolant flows through: water jacket, main valve of thermostat, upper water chamber of radiator, cooling pipe, lower water chamber of radiator, water pump inlet, water pump, and water jacket. The minor circulation path of engine coolant is: water jacket, bypass hole of thermostat, bypass pipe, water pump inlet, water pump, and water jacket. Major circulation: When the coolant temperature exceeds 80°C, the paraffin wax melts into liquid state, expands in volume, forcing the rubber sleeve to contract. Since the upper end of the push rod is fixed and cannot move upward, the rubber sleeve pushes the outer shell downward against the spring force, opening the valve. Most of the coolant then flows through the radiator inlet pipe into the radiator for major circulation, while a small portion continues minor circulation, increasing the cooling intensity of the system. Minor circulation: When the coolant temperature is below 80°C, the paraffin wax remains solid, and the spring presses the valve against its seat, closing the valve. The coolant flows through the bypass port into the air conditioning radiator inlet pipe without entering the radiator, performing minor circulation with reduced cooling intensity.