Cooling system: Difference between revisions

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In normal operation, assuming a system in correct working order and filled with coolant, the engine will remain at the correct operating temperature almost entirely through natural convection, as air moves past the radiator.  The air moving past the radiator carries away heat, removing it from the engine.  In some circumstances, the cooling system either doesn't receive enough air, or doesn't receive cool enough air, and it will engage the electric fan.  This typically happens when the air temperature is over about 80° F (27° C), or when the bike is stopped or moving very slowly.
In normal operation, assuming a system in correct working order and filled with coolant, the engine will remain at the correct operating temperature almost entirely through natural convection, as air moves past the radiator.  The air moving past the radiator carries away heat, removing it from the engine.  In some circumstances, the cooling system either doesn't receive enough air, or doesn't receive cool enough air, and it will engage the electric fan.  This typically happens when the air temperature is over about 80° F (27° C), or when the bike is stopped or moving very slowly.


Another important part of the coolig system is the thermostat. The thermostat feels the temperature of the engine and decides how much cool water flow it should be fed with, in order to keep that temperature stable. The thermostat is basically a one-way valve that keeps the coolant inside the engine while it's warming up. This means that the radiator isn't cooling the coolant when it isn't necessary to do so, which helps bring the engine up to proper operating temperature more quickly.
Another important part of the cooling system is the thermostat, #49054 in the diagram:


[[image:RADIATOR.png|150px]]


The thermostat feels the temperature of the engine and decides how much cool water flow it should be fed with, in order to keep that temperature stable. The thermostat is basically a one-way valve that keeps the coolant inside the engine (not circulating) while it's warming up. This means that the radiator isn't cooling the coolant when it isn't necessary to do so, which helps bring the engine up to proper operating temperature more quickly. As the engine temperature rises, the thermostat opens gradually, until it is fully open when the engine is warmed up, letting all the coolant pass into the radiator to cool and then cycle back into the engine.


This schematic shows the components of the Ninja 250 cooling system and how they relate to each other.  
This schematic shows the components of the Ninja 250 cooling system and how they relate to each other.