Snowmachine Cooling Systems
Just like any other motorized vehicle, snowmachines generate a lot of heat, despite being operated in and on snow in winter. While some machines are fan cooled, most of them utilize the snow and are liquid cooled. Fan cooled snowmachines quite simply use a fan to circulate air over the engine and dissipate heat via convection. They are typically lighter in weight, but are inefficient and inadequate for high-performance snowmachines.http://www.arcticinsider.com/Article/More-Updates-on-2013-Arctic-Cat-Snowmobiles Liquid cooled machines are very similar to any other liquid cooled engine in that cooling tubes surrounding the engine components create a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the engine to the liquid coolant via conduction. The primary difference is that while most vehicles cooling systems rely on airflow as the heat sink for the secondary heat exchanger, a snowmachine relies on the snow itself. The heated coolant is circulated through a secondary heat exchanger which is located on the bottom of the snowmachine tunnel, just above the track. As the track rotates and propels the machine, the paddles on it kick snow up against this heat exchanger, providing a very cold heat sink. While this system is very efficient, it is not without its problems. Because there is very little airflow in between the track and the tunnel, this system is fully dependent on snow to operate properly. If you are driving on ice or hard-packed snow for extended periods the engine can easily overheat. If you are riding in deep powder, the cooling system works flawlessly, but melting snow on the rear heat exchnager can cause ice buildup along the tunnel which can interfere with the track and increase weight, making it harder to ride.      


Home Page
Engines
Drive System
Chassis
Riding Technique
Bibliography