Question

A broken fin affects much in air-cooled engine while a hole in the radiator may stop a water-cooled engine.

(a) True

(b) False

I had been asked this question during an interview.

The question is from Air Cooled Systems in division Heat Rejection and Cooling of IC Engine

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) True

In an air-cooled engine, the fins play a crucial role in dissipating heat from the engine. If a fin is broken or damaged, it can significantly affect the cooling efficiency, as it reduces the surface area available for heat dissipation. On the other hand, in a water-cooled engine, a hole in the radiator can lead to coolant loss, which can cause the engine to overheat. While both issues are critical, a broken fin in an air-cooled engine can have a substantial impact on its performance because of the direct effect on heat dissipation.