Cooling the Engine with Fan Shrouds

by GLADY REIGN

Every car engine is equipped with a cooling system. In order to keep the engine running, the cooling system is tasked to eliminate one-third of the heat from the engine. Comprised of the pressure cap, water pump, radiator, thermostat, hoses, and the fan, the cooling system works to keep the engine temperature leveled. A cooling system in bad condition, therefore, can cause the engine to overheat.

The cooling fan is located on a shaft together with the water, and both are driven by a belt connected to the engine. With the cooling fan��s basic job of circulating the air throughout the radiator, the engine heat is discharged into the surrounding air. Through the years, the design of cooling fans has become more efficient. Electric cooling fans and clutches were introduced; this development helps save on energy as it allows the fan to operate only when the need arises.

Cooling fans are assembled with the fan motor, fan clutch, and fan shroud. Fan shrouds are basically plastic hoods that direct the air through the core and prevent it from coming back around the fan again. Strategically placed to serve as protection to the fan blades, fan shrouds also help in regulating the circulation of cool air which is drawn to the radiator by the cooling fan. If the cooling fan is located too far back, it may end up circulating the same hot air from the back of the radiator.

In order for the fan shroud to work well, it must be mounted properly with the other components of the cooling fan. As part of the cooling system, this component plays a rather significant role in keeping the engine in top shape. It encloses the cooling fan with its tough plastic material, thus, concentrating the air to where it is needed. When regularly checked against possible damage due to constant vibration as the car runs along different road surfaces, fan shrouds are sure to keep engines cooler and prevent possible engine breakdown in the middle of important trips.