1. Water Pump: The water pump, driven by the crankshaft, draws coolant from the bottom of the engine block.
2. Engine Block: The coolant flows upward through the engine block, absorbing heat from the cylinder walls and cylinder heads.
3. Cylinder Heads: It then circulates through the passages in the cylinder heads, further absorbing heat.
4. Thermostat: The coolant then flows to the thermostat housing. The thermostat controls coolant flow to the radiator. When the engine is cold, the thermostat restricts flow, keeping coolant circulating within the engine block and heads until it reaches operating temperature. Once the engine is warm enough, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow to the radiator.
5. Radiator: Coolant flows through the radiator where the heat is dissipated into the air.
6. Back to Water Pump: The cooled coolant returns to the water pump via the lower radiator hose, completing the circuit.
It's important to note that the exact path may vary slightly depending on the specific year and modifications to the engine, but the general principle remains the same.
