ENGINE MANAGEMENT & COOLING
FLASHLUBE COOLANT AND DISTILLED WATER
Entering into the warmer months, managing the engine’s temperature should be a top priority The performance and health of a vehicle requires constant maintenance to ensure longevity and effective functioning throughout the seasons. A vehicle’s cooling system acts to remove heat from the engine, ensuring optimal operating temperatures and prevention from overheating of the engine cooling system. Engine overheating often leads to vehicle component damage, including damage to the gaskets, hoses and seals in the vehicle, which can lead to expensive and long-term damage.
Flashlube says its OEM 100 percent Radiator Coolant has been formulated to deliver the required dose of anti-freeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection for Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid Vehicles, whilst ensuring the overall temperature of the cooling system is maintained. With use of Si-OAT based inhibitors, the Radiator Coolant creates a protective layer, which safeguards vehicle components from corrosion. To accompany the Coolant Range, Flashlube Distilled Water has been formulated using a filtration system that eliminates any contaminants and impurities that would negatively impact metals and vehicle components such as magnesium, calcium, chlorides and sodium. Distilled Water is multipurpose, and has a range of uses including for automotive, household, and medical applications. Flashlube Distilled Water should be used to dilute Flashlube Radiator Coolant Concentrate at a 50:50 ratio, to prevent any impurities from entering the Cooling system and maintaining optimum performance of the Cooling system and components. For more information, visit www.flashlube.com 74
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2023
COOLING SYSTEM CHECKS CRITICAL COMING INTO SUMMER Gates recommends that preventive maintenance is carried out at each service Cooling system hoses are an essential component of coolant systems, carrying the coolant through the entire circuit, where it acts as either an enginecooling or interior-heating source, depending on the part of the circuit it is in. Possible sources of damage to hoses can include electrochemical degradation (internal damage), leakage, heat, ozone, abrasion and oil contamination, and any damage can inhibit the flow of coolant, causing the cooling system to fail. Today’s smaller engines are increasingly more powerful, creating more heat and leaving less space under the bonnet, meaning coolant hoses must fight ever-higher temperatures and come in ever-more shapes and sizes to fit specific applications and tight engine spaces. Gates says this demonstrates the importance of choosing coolant hoses that are electrochemical resistant. Car manufacturers are designing the majority of new coolant and heater hose parts as branched/ modular assemblies and the use of modular hose in just about every passenger car/light truck make continues to expand. The modular hoses manufactured by Gates now have quick-connects, sensors, restrictors, valves, and other components built into the hose. This design uses quick connects and brackets for ease of assembly and orientation and Ts are used to route additional hoses to new vehicle systems which require heating/cooling. Modular hoses represent great sales opportunities for workshops since these new modular hoses are not as reliable as a traditional single piece hose as quick connects and seals can become brittle from heat and crack or break from vibration or general maintenance when the hose is jolted or repositioned. This is particularly so as modern cooling systems now have 50 psi constant pressure with spikes of 70-80 psi. Standard clamps over a barb cannot hold this pressure and quick connects with an overmold clamp are required.
Also, check valves and flow restrictors are needed to control the coolant flow, so hoses must use the latest reinforcement technology to be able to handle these pressures. Gates has a comprehensive range for popular makes and models and comes with features such as: • Factory quality connections that are durable and eliminate coolant leaks. • Engineered to resist electrochemical degradation – the leading cause of hose failure. • Heat and ozone resistant cover. • Meets SAE 20R4 and 20R3 Type EC Class D-1 and D-2 specifications. • Temperature rating: -40°C to +135°C in coolant hose applications. • Backed with a five year / 100,000 km warranty. Gates says it offers OE-quality solutions to all of these potential issues, ensuring that when fitted with Gates products, “vehicles always run to or exceed manufacturer’s specifications.” Gates says it is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading suppliers of cooling system components and a true cooling system expert. Gates says its customers appreciate the wide variety of choices its OE-quality coolant hose range offers. It includes modular, curved, flexible, straight and small ID (inside diameter) hoses covering upper, lower, by-pass, heater and other coolant transfer applications. Gates recommends that preventive maintenance is carried out at each service. All components of the cooling system should be checked for wear and damage, and any damaged parts replaced immediately to avoid worst case scenarios. As well as saving your customer time and money, Gates says this is also good news for you as it improves customer satisfaction levels with your workshop and keeps your customers coming back. For more information on any of these issues and for a complete trouble shooting guide, including replacement guidelines, go to www.GatesAustralia.com.au/CoolingManual To contact Gates directly, email salesAUS@gates.com or call 03 9797 9688.
