The thermostat controls coolant flow to maintain the engine at its optimal operating temperature by regulating when coolant from the radiator circulates.
Here's a breakdown:
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Closed Thermostat (Cold Engine): When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, restricting coolant flow to the radiator. This allows the engine to heat up quickly to its ideal operating temperature. According to the reference, the thermostat is indeed closed when the engine is cold.
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Opening Thermostat (Warming Engine): As the engine warms up, the thermostat begins to open.
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Open Thermostat (Hot Engine): Once the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature, the thermostat fully opens, allowing coolant to flow freely from the radiator through the engine block, absorbing heat, and then back to the radiator to be cooled. This cycle prevents the engine from overheating. The reference states that as the engine heats up, the thermostat opens and allows coolant from the radiator to circulate, keeping the engine at its optimum operating temperature.
In essence, the thermostat acts as a temperature-sensitive valve that governs the coolant flow based on engine temperature.
