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In Reply to: Re: 750iL Cooling Capacities and Questions - :> posted by Ekkehart Rackete, Bochum Germany on February 12, 2001 at 02:47:48:
A few friends were having a discussion on "thermodynamics steady-flow system" which is what a cars engine cooling system is. We were trying to determine if he had flow restrictions in his radiator or maybe even his heater core as the car water temp was jumping up and down. Did find out that the water pump puts out around 4 gallons a minute and the whole system, if working properly, should cycle through from start to finish every minute. This would pin point if a water pump is not working efficiently or that was a clog somewhere in the system.
This was done by going onto the internet and a web site allowed us to calculate this out. The cooling system capacity is 15.8 quarts (4 gallons) with a system pressure of around 17 psi at around 180 degrees when hot (pressure of course from the water expanding as it gets hot). The radiator cap maintains the pressure by temperature (this being no more then 200 degrees) and the thermostat regulates water temperature once it gets around 180 degrees. 17 PSI moves around 39 feet of water a hour (anti freeze has a specific gravity of 1.125) which works out to 4 to 5 gallons a minute (which is the flow capacity most water pumps pump). There is however flow restriction at the radiator and at the heater core.
Of course, only after the thermostat opens can a mechanic properly diagnose poor water circulation which would cause erratic over heating. Turned out to be the raditor core was clogged with raditor stop leak.
Dave
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