LO 11-2 Identify and explain the purposes and functions of the cooling system

LO 11-02: Identify and explain the purposes and functions of the cooling system.

Minimizing Scaling and Deposits

Scale and mineral deposits on internal surfaces within the engine and cooling system can sharply reduce heat transfer. In fact, a 0.06" (1.6 mm) deposit will reduce heat transfer by 40%. Scale can originate from calcium and magnesium in the water used for cooling, but some scale is produced by additives in the antifreeze, such as phosphate, silicate, and nitrite. Scaling and deposit formation commonly occur on hot engine surfaces where coolant turbulence is low. Maintenance practices, such as following prescribed replacement schedules for coolant and using recommended formulations of engine coolant, can help minimize the formation of these engine-damaging deposits Figure 17.

FIGURE 11-17: Scale buildup in diesel engines can be prevented with the use of nonmineralized water and specialized coolant conditioners.

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