General information (Opel Ascona C)

Engine cooling is achieved by a traditional water pump system in which the coolant is under pressure. The cooling system consists of a radiator, an engine-driven pump, an electric fan, a thermostat and connecting hoses. The coolant also flows through hoses to the heat exchanger, which provides heat for the ventilation and heating system of the passenger compartment.

The cooling system operates on the following principle. Cold coolant from the radiator, located at the front of the engine compartment, is supplied to the water pump, which forces it under pressure into the water jacket channels in the block and cylinder head. After passing through the channels and heating up, the coolant returns to the radiator, where it cools down, after which the process begins again.

The radiator is cooled by the flow of air passing through it when the car is moving. If the coolant temperature exceeds a certain limit, a thermal switch on the radiator turns on an electric fan, which supplies an additional air flow to the radiator, thereby helping to cool it. The fan only operates when it is really needed, which reduces energy consumption and noise levels.

To ensure that the engine warms up quickly during a cold start, a thermostat installed on the outlet channel of the cylinder head prevents coolant from entering the radiator until its temperature reaches a certain value. The liquid circulates through a small circuit and heats up quickly. Once a certain temperature is reached, the thermostat opens and liquid begins to flow to the radiator.

The system includes an expansion tank to compensate for the thermal expansion of the liquid. The liquid is poured into the system through a hole in the tank.