Code : AG601
Brand : KTC
The role of the engine radiator and water
The engine is continuously exposed to heating from the combustion of fuel, and will
naturally overheat if left in this state. The radiator plays the role of sustaining the optimum
temperature by cooling the engine.
Cooling devices are divided into air-cooled and water-cooled types. Most cars commonly
use the water-cooling system. The water-cooled type circulates cooled water (coolant)
throughout the engine system using a water pump in order to cool the engine. The water
that is heated from this process is directed back to the radiator for cooling, and is circulated
back to the engine. This process is repeated.
LLC
Because the liquid used in the radiator is mainly water, freezing will occur in temperatures
less than 0°C , and boiling and evaporation will occur in temperatures over 100°C. Both of
the above situations will cause engine trouble. LLC is a product that lowers the water
freezing point, and raises the boiling point.
Previous coolants were known as anti-freeze, however, improvements have been made to
these products giving them a longer useful life. These are now known as LLC (Long Life
Coolant). One of the disadvantages of using anti-freeze was that it would have to be
replaced after winter whereas the LLC can be used all year around. One of the
disadvantages of using LLC is that the radiator can become blocked causing damage to the
water pump and cause overheating and then possible engine trouble.
LLC concentration
There is a 30% concentration ratio of LLC in new vehicles. Because the freezing temperature is lowered when the concentration is high,
the concentration ratio is increased in cold areas. However, the concentration ratio should not exceed 60%. LLC concentration ratios
relating to cold temperatures are shown above. Current temperatures can be tested with the fluid tester (P. 227).
LLC color
LLC main ingredient, ethylene glycol, is a poisonous product. The coolant is colored to help prevent mistaken use. The coolant is red
mainly in Toyotas and green mainly in Nissan vehicles. However, the color does not affect performance. However, avoid using two
different colored coolants.
LLC toxicity
LLC main ingredient is ethylene glycol and is poisonous to humans. Drinking LLC may lead to death. The recently introduced PRTR law
is specific to special chemical substances. Care must be taken when handling.
KTC's CO2 emission cutting proposal
Presently, problems concerning the cutting of CO2 emissions have been getting much attention. However, KTC believes that CO2 emissions can be
reduced over and above maintenance alone.
This is believed to be the eliminating of idling after LLC is injected when carrying out the air bleeding process. By using the KTC's Coolant Charger
(No. AE401), the air bleeding process can be completed without idling after the LLC has been added. This means that if the Coolant Charger was to
be utilized in every service center that over 30 million cars (*1) that have their LLC replaced annually when renewing their fitness certificate, would
not need to be idling while the process was carried out. In other words, the air bleeding process time for each vehicle is around 30 minutes. This
calculates to about 0.4 liters of fuel and in CO2 emission terms, around 270 g (*2) . By this calculation, there is around 8,100t of CO2 being
emitted into the atmosphere every time the renewal process is carried on the vehicles out there today.