How The Thermostat Works
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The
thermostat's main job is to allow the engine to heat up
quickly, and then to keep the engine at a constant
temperature. It does this by regulating the amount of water
that goes through the radiator. At low temperatures, the
outlet to the radiator is completely blocked -- all of the
coolant is re-circulated back through the engine.
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Once the
temperature of the coolant rises to between 180 and 195 F
(82 - 91 C), the thermostat
starts to open, allowing fluid to flow through the radiator.
By the time the coolant reaches 200 to 218 F
(93 - 103 C), the thermostat is
open all the way.
The
open and closed positions of a thermostat.
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If you ever have the chance to test one,
a thermostat is an amazing thing to watch because what it
does seems impossible. You can put one in a pot of boiling
water on the stove. As it heats up, its valve opens about an
inch, apparently by magic! If you'd like to try this
yourself, go to a car parts store and buy one for a couple
of bucks.
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The secret of the thermostat lies in the
small cylinder located on the engine-side of the device.
This cylinder is filled with a wax that begins to melt at
around 180 F (different thermostats
open at different temperatures, but 180 F is a common one).
A rod connected to the valve presses into this wax. When the
wax melts, it expands significantly, pushing the rod out of
the cylinder and opening the valve.
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We give our thanks to
HOW STUFF WORKS for allowing us to use their info and
graphics!
For more information on how engines
or anything else in this world works, visit
www.howstuffworks.com. |
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vehicle needs to keep running smoothly.
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