Cooling System: Description and Operation

Cooling System Description and Operation (LSA) (6.2 L)

Coolant Warning Messages

The Radio will display the following messages if the following conditions exist in the cooling system.

Engine hot - A/C OFF, will be displayed if coolant temperature is above 117°C (243°F). For imports 115°C (239°F).

Engine coolant hot - idle engine, will be displayed if coolant temperature is above 118°C (245°F).

Engine overheated - stop engine, will be displayed if coolant temperature is above 123°C (253°F).

Coolant Level Control

The engine cooling system contains an engine coolant level switch to alert the driver in the event of a low coolant level. When the engine coolant level in the surge tank falls below a certain level, the coolant level switch opens. When the HVAC control module detects an open, or a high voltage level, on the coolant level indicator control circuit for at least 10 seconds, it will send a class 2 message to the radio requesting display of the low coolant level message. There is approximately a 10 second delay before the HVAC control module sends the class 2 message, to prevent the message from being displayed due to coolant sloshing in the surge tank.

Coolant Heater

The optional engine coolant heater (RPO K05) operates using 110-volt AC external power and is designed to warm the coolant in the engine block area for improved starting in very cold weather 29°C (20°F). The coolant heater helps reduce fuel consumption when a cold engine is warming up. The unit is equipped with a detachable AC power cord. A weather shield on the cord is provided to protect the plug when not in use.

Water Pump

The water pump is a centrifugal vane impeller type pump. The pump consists of a housing and an impeller. The impeller is a flat plate mounted on the pump shaft with a series of flat or curved blades or vanes. When the impeller rotates, the coolant between the vanes is thrown outward by centrifugal force. The impeller shaft is supported by one or more sealed bearings. The sealed bearings never need to be lubricated. Grease cannot leak out, dirt and water cannot get in as long as the seal is not damaged or worn.

The purpose of the water pump is to circulate coolant throughout the cooling system. The water pump is driven by the crankshaft via the drive belt.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a coolant flow control component. Its purpose is to regulate the operating temperature of the engine. It utilizes a temperature sensitive wax-pellet element. The element connects to a valve through a piston. When the element is heated, it expands and exerts pressure against a rubber diaphragm. This pressure forces the valve to open. As the element is cooled, it contracts. This contraction allows a spring to push the valve closed.

When the coolant temperature is below the rated thermostat opening temperature, the thermostat valve remains closed. This prevents circulation of the coolant to the radiator and allows the engine to warm up quickly. After the coolant temperature reaches rated thermostat opening temperature, the thermostat valve will open. The coolant is then allowed to circulate through the thermostat to the radiator where the engine heat is dissipated to the atmosphere. The thermostat also provides a restriction in the cooling system, even after it has opened. This restriction creates a pressure difference which prevents cavitation at the water pump and forces coolant to circulate through the engine block.

Engine Oil Heat Exchanger

The engine oil heat exchanger is mounted to the top of the engine block, under the intake manifold flange. Oil is pumped through the oil cooler inlet pipe to the heat exchanger, back through the oil cooler outlet pipe, and then to the oil passages in the engine for lubrication. The exchanger provides the following 2 functions:

* Engine coolant warms up faster than the engine oil. During cold operation, the coolant warms the oil and provides better flow during cold engine operation.
* After the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the engine oil temperature will exceed the engine coolant temperature. The coolant flowing through the engine oil cooler will absorb heat from the engine oil. Cooling the engine oil extends oil life and helps reduce internal engine wear.

Transmission Oil Cooler-Two Fan System

Caution: The transmission oil cooler system uses quick connect fittings throughout the system. Use a special tool to disconnect these quick connect fittings. Removing the transmission oil cooler lines without this tool will result in damage to the radiator, the transmission, and the transmission oil cooler caused by mixing the transmission oil and coolant or due to transmission oil loss.

The transmission oil cooler is a heat exchanger located in the bottom tank of the radiator. The transmission oil temperature is regulated by the temperature of the coolant leaving the radiator and passing over the heat exchanger. Lines from the transmission bring oil pumped at a high pressure to the cooler and back to the transmission.

Transmission Oil Cooler-Three Fan System

Caution: The transmission oil cooler system uses quick connect fittings throughout the system. Use a special tool to disconnect these quick connect fittings. Removing the transmission oil cooler lines without this tool will result in damage to the radiator, the transmission, and the transmission oil cooler caused by mixing the transmission oil and coolant or due to transmission oil loss.

There are two transmission oil coolers in a series in the heavy duty transmission oil cooler system. The initial transmission oil cooler is a heat exchanger located in the bottom tank of the radiator. The transmission oil temperature is partially regulated by the temperature of the coolant leaving the radiator and passing over the heat exchanger. Lines from the transmission bring oil pumped at a high pressure to the cooler. The oil out of the cooler is plumbed to an air-to-oil cooler in front of the A/C condenser. This cooler provides additional cooling for heavy duty trailering. The transmission oil is then directed back to the transmission.

Power Steering Oil Cooler

Some vehicles are equipped with a power steering oil cooler located either between the radiator and condenser (Heavy Duty) or in front of the engine. This cooler transfers heat from the power steering system to the air passing through the condenser and radiator. The cooler uses constant tension clamps on the hose connections to the cooler.