Development
of 4LIFE Waterless Coolants and the Economax Engine Cooling System
Jack Evans, founder of Evans Cooling Systems
and Tom Light, Evans Chief Engineer, have spent a lifetime designing
high performance cooling systems for internal combustion engines.
Both are well known and highly respected throughout the Nascar
racing fraternity and responsible for many unique cooling innovations.
Ferrari and General Motors are just two notable OEM’s that have
benefited from Evans experience and design skills.
Stage 1
During their research Jack and Tom
identified that, although it was possible to tune an engine to
achieve maximum output, a limiting factor was removing the extra
heat generated by burning more fuel. Specifically the physical
limits of water based coolants were being exceeded – please refer
to ‘Physical limitation of water based coolants’ overleaf.
Stage 2
Over an extended period the Evans 4LIFE Waterless Coolant was formulated, tested
and perfected. With a boiling point above 180°C efficient heat transfer was
restored and all the issues associated to over-heating eliminated - even at
maximum engine output. To compliment their high boiling point Evans 4LIFE Waterless
Coolants have been proven to last for an engine lifetime. |
Stage
3
Having formulated an engine coolant that eliminated Departure from Nucleate
Boiling (see fig.1 overleaf), Evans examined the benefits of raising coolant
temperatures above the conventional 95°C. Further research established that higher
coolant temperatures actually improved engine efficiency, lowered fuel consumption
and reduced thermal stress. After thorough investigation and verification of
lube oil capabilities a new maximum coolant temperature of 110°C was confirmed.
Stage 4
To accommodate the benefits identified in Stage 3 it was necessary to design
a Hi-Flo Thermostat that would open at 102°C and a Fan-Miser Module to raise
the fan on-off temperatures to 110-104°C. This compares with 85°C and 95-89°C
respectively for water based cooling systems. The final Economax ECS comprises;
4LIFE Waterless Coolant, Hi-Flo Thermostat and Fan-Miser Module.
Stage 5
Following many successful Nascar trials an Economax ECS was fitted to a 12.7
litre Series 60 Detroit Diesel truck engine, operated by Joe Umstead on sub-contract
to North American Van Lines. Since conversion Joe’s truck has covered over
a million miles without a hitch. |
Stage
6
More recently Evans have been fitting Economax ECS to fleet vehicles, large
and small. In addition to fuel savings of 4-7% all operators have reported improved
engine reliability and reduced maintenance demands. Trials are currently being
run within several very large fleets and two significant OEM’s. One OEM is considering
a joint venture with Evans to retrofit all their existing engines and fit Economax
ECS to all new engines.
Stage 7
Appointment of USA based distributors and conversion centres to supply and fit
Economax ECS. There are now more than 75 stockists and 6 conversion centres,
with more opening all the time.
Stage 8
Introduction of the Economax ECS to China, UK, Europe etc. Since being established
in 2003 Evans China has converted more than 200,000 engines and recently
commissioned a new factory to cope with increasing demand. Evans UK operates
from a purpose built facility in Swansea and has a network of installers
distributed throughout Britain and Ireland. Sales to Europe will be co-ordinated
by Evans UK.
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