Magazine for the auto service professional
Issue link: http://asp.epubxp.com/i/660061
Circle 119 on Reader Service Card The Chassis And yes, there was a recall on some of these engines for a failure of the bypass valve that allowed the engine to overheat. The mapped cooling system has been very popular on European vehicles for a number of years now, but it is now being used here by some domestic manufacturers. GM has been using a mapped thermostat in a few models, such as the Chevy Cruze Eco ver- sion, and it is starting to incorporate it onto the 3.6L V6 engine used in many of its models. Other technology is being used to enhance the cooling system. There are now split systems in hybrids, parallel, cross and reverse fow coolant patterns in the engine; all in the drive to make the cooling system more effcient. GM has developed a patented technology called "targeted cooling" that is designed to provide deliberate cooling of the hotter parts of the engine, while still providing faster warm-ups in order to lower emissions. Toyota uses specially designed plas- tic sleeves to direct coolant fow in the cylinder block to increase cooling effciency. Some manufacturers have even integrated the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head assembly to speed up coolant heating and reduce the emissions the engine creates. What the future holds Changes in the automotive industry are the norm. Being forced to buy new tools to repair and diagnose systems is not new by any means, but the changes that we are seeing are making it more diffcult to handle repairs properly without having the appropriate equipment. Vehicle manufactur- ers are under intense pressure to produce vehicles that produce fewer emissions and do less harm to the environment, so prog- ress isn't going to stop. This will only mean more electronics, fner control of existing systems and dif- ferent techniques arriving at the same goals, and ultimately requiring the techs and shop owners to purchase new tools and equipment. ●