Top Picks For Coolant Recovery Tank Related Parts

The engine coolant in a vehicle is engineered to work under extreme pressures and operating temperatures and it keeps the engine temperatures down. During normal operation, the coolant heats and expands. This requires additional space to store the coolant, which isn't available in a closed system. In older vehicles, the coolant used to flow past the radiator cap after the cooling system pressure crossed the threshold and was dumped on the ground. This led to a low coolant level when the engine was started later. To avoid this and maintain optimum coolant levels, a coolant recovery tank is added to collect the coolant instead of expelling it onto the ground. This setup is a basic, non-pressurized coolant recovery tank. However, some vehicles also come with pressurized recovery tanks where the radiator, upper and lower radiator hose and recovery tank all are under pressure and are made from comparatively sturdier designs that can handle high pressure.

Radiators are heat exchangers that are used in vehicles as a part of their cooling system. To prevent the engine from overheating, the cooling system of the vehicle pumps the coolant around the engine, which carries away the heat generated by the combustion process. The coolant, carrying the heat from the engine, is then circulated to the core of the radiator where the coolant passes through thin metal fins and gets cooled by the oncoming air. A radiator is also equipped with a fan that blows air during heavy load conditions or when the vehicle is still. The coolant enters the radiator via the upper tank and passes through the radiator core where it gets cooled and exits via the lower tank connected to the water pump. Radiators can be of tubular and cellular types. In tubular type radiators, the upper and lower tank of the radiator is connected by tubes. These tubes are surrounded by fins that cool the hot coolant. Cellular type radiators feature numerous individual air cells around which the coolant flows and gets cooled. Cellular type radiators are widely used in vehicles and are also known as honeycomb radiators.

If your vehicle's radiator isn't working properly, you might notice several symptoms like engine overheating, coolant leaks, and low engine coolant levels. If the color of the coolant changes to rusty or oil color, your radiator may be gathering up sludge, causing the coolant to discolor. Although sludge can be treated by flushing the radiator but needs to be inspected if the contamination is too much as it can lead to a restricted flow and a clogged radiator. Blocked exterior fins are another sign of radiator damage which can be caused by flying dirt or debris. Damaged fins can clog the radiator leading to an overheated engine. These are symptoms and signs that you should monitor to avoid a radiator failure, and if you suspect that there is some problem, get it checked and replaced.

Engine coolant pipe, not to be confused with engine coolant hose, is a plastic or metal component that helps in transporting the coolant to the engine's cooling system. There are two types of coolant tubes used in most vehicles. The smaller coolant tube runs along the intake manifold of the engine, whereas the larger, also known as coolant bypass tube, is often attached to the water pump and is connected to the engine block. Some vehicles also comprise heater bypass coolant tubes that circulate hot coolant to the heater system of the vehicle. These coolant pipes or tubes can be made from plastic and alloys and it depends on the vehicle and the manufacturer.

Engine coolant pipes can get damaged due to wear and tear caused by age and will show symptoms like visible coolant leaks, low coolant levels, and engine overheating. If you see signs of coolant leaks, it could be due to a bad coolant pipe. However, such issues can also be related to other components of the cooling system and need a thorough check. A bad or leaking engine coolant pipe can reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system and can also prompt a check engine light or low coolant light to turn on, followed by a trouble code. An on-board diagnostics (OBD) scanner is a sure way to check if it is the root cause of the problem. Any leaks or signs of corrosion on metal pipes, worn-out seals, or wear and tear on plastic coolant pipes means they need to be replaced. 

The cooling system of a vehicle prevents the engine from overheating and circulates the coolant around the engine and radiator to keep the engine cool. When the engine cold starts, the water pump, and the cooling system also starts to cool the engine. Therefore, a thermostat is used which prevents the coolant from flowing through the radiator and allows the engine to reach the operating temperature quickly. A conventional thermostat is a temperature-controlled two-way valve that opens at a specific temperature and is attached to the upper or lower radiator hose. When the engine is started cold, the main valve of the thermostat remains closed, which allows no flow of coolant through the radiator. Meanwhile, the smaller by-pass valve of the thermostat is open, which allows the coolant to circulate around the engine. As the engine warms up closer to the operating temperatures, the thermostat opens up, allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator, cooling the engine. The thermostat closes again when the temperature drops. The secret of the thermostat lies in the charge cylinder located on the engine side of the device, which is filled with wax. When the engine warms up enough, the wax melts, at approximately 82°C (180°F), and opens up the main valve, allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator. This wax freezes again when the temperature drops, closing the valve. However, the temperature threshold of the wax and the thermostat can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

The opening and closing of the thermostat at the correct time are critical to the proper functioning of the engine. Usually, a thermostat fails by getting stuck in a closed or open position. A stuck closed thermostat will not allow the coolant to circulate through the radiator, causing the engine to overheat. Similarly, a stuck open thermostat will make the engine run cooler, leading to reduced performance of the engine, increased fuel consumption, and reduced heater performance. High engine and dramatic spikes and drops in engine temperature are some other signs of a misbehaving thermostat. Another sign of a failing thermostat is coolant leaks around the housing. Replacing a thermostat is a fairly inexpensive deal and if you notice any of these symptoms, get it checked and replaced to avoid further issues.

A water pump serves the simple purpose of circulating the coolant when the engine is running and keeping the engine at optimum operating temperatures. When coolant gets hot after absorbing the engine heat, it moves from the engine to the radiator, where it cools down. The coolant then leaves the radiator and is pumped by the water pump towards the engine, where the process starts over. An automotive water pump is usually driven by a belt or chain from the crankshaft pulley and uses centrifugal force and comprises impeller blades that force the coolant throughout the cooling system. 

A bad water pump is a disaster waiting to happen and you shouldn't drive your vehicle if you suspect that your water pump is failing. It's important to identify and monitor some telltale signs of a faulty water pump that can mitigate the issues before they can cause serious damage to your vehicle's engine. A coolant leak is one of the most common signs of a fault in the cooling system, which can be caused due to a bad water pump seal. A loose bearing on the water pump pulley can create whining noises, causing the pump to perform inefficiently. Furthermore, a failing water pump can also cause your engine to overheat as it won't be able to circulate the engine coolant. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your vehicle's water pump checked along with the cooling system to prevent major breakdowns.