Cooling system operation (page 2 of 2)

The radiator positioned at the front of the vehicle, is a copper/brass cross - flow type with moulded plastic end tanks. The radiator is mounted in rubber bushes; the bottom of the radiator is located in the front body member, and the top is located in the bonnet locking platform. The hoses connecting the radiator to the engine run underneath the vehicle. Three bleed points are provided for bleeding the system.

For additional air flow through the radiator matrix, usually operational when the vehicle is stationary, an electric cooling fan is fitted to the rear of the radiator. The temperature of the cooling system is monitored by the ECM via signals from an engine coolant temperature sensor, which is mounted in the cylinder block, outlet elbow. When a temperature of 102°C is reached the ECM switches the fan on via a relay. The fan switches off at 96°C.

Vehicles fitted with air conditioning have 2 fans. These operate either in series or parallel according to engine coolant temperature or air conditioning requirements.

The ECM disengages the compressor’s clutch when the coolant temperature exceeds 117 °C and re-engages when the coolant temperature drops below 112 °C.