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Posted by D Sherman [72.47.9.228] on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 13:40:49 :
In Reply to: Re: Radiator Cap posted by Kaegi [24.16.253.154] on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 13:01:50 :
Pressurized systems aren't just to allow the use of a smaller radiator. They also keep the oil cleaner and improve the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine. Albeit, the improvement is probably small, but it doesn't cost much to do it. Keeping the engine hotter reduces condensation in the crankcase and boils out what there quicker. The efficiency of any engine goes up, the hotter you run it, because the less heat is absorbed into the cylinder walls as it runs. The ideal engine would have no radiator at all and would run red hot inside a blanket of insulation. I once read about an experimental ceramic engine that did exactly that. Any step you can take in that direction helps a little bit. This is in addition to the fuel savings from the lighter radiator with less weight of coolant, and the smaller windage losses from using a smaller and/or slower fan.
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