If left untreated, cavitation can cause what in a cooling system?

Cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs when the pressure in a liquid drops below its vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor bubbles. When these bubbles collapse or implode, they can create intense localized pressure and temperatures that can be damaging to the materials in the cooling system.

If cavitation is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of pinholes in the liner of components such as the engine block or cylinder head. This occurs because the repeated implosion of the bubbles exerts severe forces on the material, ultimately degrading it and creating tiny holes. These pinholes can allow coolant to leak through, which can compromise the efficiency of the cooling system and lead to overheating or engine failure if not addressed.

Understanding the mechanisms of cavitation helps emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate pressure levels and ensuring that the cooling system is functioning properly to prevent such destructive outcomes.