flash968 |
05-18-2010 07:17 AM |
cooling systems are touchy things - there is such a thing as "too low" or "too cool"
a perfect system will run 5-15 degrees above the thermostat point, and will vary no more than 20 degrees, regardless of operating condition
also, gasoline engines operate best when the coolant is 190-195 degrees (though emissions are reduced if it is more like 205)
that being said, fans should operate so as to come on just before the temperature of the coolant gets to the upper end of the acceptable range, and then shut off - dual speed fans should have the high speed fan come on during any anomalous condition that exceeds that range or adds unusual load
also, shrouding plays a large part in the efficiency of a cooling system - never delete fan shrouds or belly pans - contrary to common misconception, belly pans are there to IMPROVE cooling - removing them allows too much extraneous air into the engine bay, thereby reducing the negative pressure required for optimal flow through the radiator - in a perfect world, the only air allowed into the engine bay would be required to pass through the radiator first to get there
|