View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
stanners **
Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 68 Location: Stafford
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 22:03 Post subject: Cool Runnings - Very Cool |
|
|
I have just bought a 93 3.1TD Lotus Bighorn which I am very happy with - fantastic truck - but I have noticed that it really does not get very warm at all even on a hard run down the motorway at up to 85...
Have looked under the bonnet (bout as far as it gets with me...) and it has an engine driven fan which is permanently rotating - so is always drawing cool air through the rad.
What can I do - short of fitting a Kenlowe Electric rig?
Any thoughts would be welcome cos I am also looking at trying to get more economy - a d trip to the diesel doctor may be in the offing have read other posts....... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Google Sponsor
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 22:03 Post subject: Google Ads keep this community free to join! |
|
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
jjcymru Guest
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 22:06 Post subject: |
|
|
3.1s should run fairly warm.
I presume the thermostat is jammed open.
easy to check, remove the cover with 3 12mm bolts on the top of the engine (has 2 sensors in the housing) lift out the stat, and put in a new one of higher rating... youll see a number such as 82 stamped somewhere on the stat itself..might need a wipe tho! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
stanners **
Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 68 Location: Stafford
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 22:52 Post subject: |
|
|
Cheers for that - will have a gander
Is it worth fitting an electric fan instead of the engine-driven one? Might improve engine performance without the drag of those big fan blades... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jjcymru Guest
|
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 23:14 Post subject: |
|
|
the drag is huge and youd gain mpg and performance...
try kenlowe for a kit, was thinking about it myself on the 2.8 frontera.
'cept on boost uphill the guage rises very quickly so id be a bit weary of getting the settings wrong or the fan not working.
at least the belt one keeps moving regardless. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Philp *******
Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 3869 Location: Shropshire
|
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 8:48 Post subject: |
|
|
The fan should (I think) have a viscous coupling. This is meant to disengage the fan when the engine is cool and then as the temperature rises effectively locks the fan to the drive unit. The fan still turns when the engine is cold but it is just windmilling in the drag from the coupling. If the coupling has failed it can permanently engage the fan meaning slow warm up times BUT it should still get up to temperature eventually. I'd go with a new Thermostat first (oh and remember to replace the gasket on the housing unless it's one with a rubber O ring seal) _________________ Phil
96 or is it a 98 Isuzu Bighorn Lotus |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hard1 Lifetime member
Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 3544 Location: New Forest Old Git
|
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 14:40 Post subject: |
|
|
A couple of degrees change in ambient temperature can make all the difference although yours does sound like it's running rwally cold. On a day when ambient is less than 10 degrees C, it hardly gets above the 'C'. A thrash along the motorway though, does increase it to almost normal. They all seem to be like this and it's possibly because of the typical temperatures where they come from in Japan.
Stiil running to cool for my liking though. Kenlowe type fan is always a good idea. It will "release" up to 10% more hp. _________________ 1999 Cougar with a NICE motor..
Click HERE to see under my bonnet! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
stanners **
Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 68 Location: Stafford
|
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 18:29 Post subject: |
|
|
Cheers for all the help - can confirm that the fan is working as it should, so we are going to try the thermostat - although given the front is as exposed as a Landie, may well try the 'blanking half the rad grill off during winter' trick
Dunno what its like in warm weather - not been in any yet
Many thanks for all your good advice!!
Stanners |
|
Back to top |
|
|
LuckyTrucker **
Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 77
|
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 19:05 Post subject: |
|
|
Hi there, yes I was concerned with the cold running of my 2.8td so I changed the thermostat. It didn't make any difference. I must admit though when I pulling a 3 ton trailer mile after mile at full throttle and the temp stayed no more than 1/4 way I was happy.Yes it is pain when the heater takes a long time to warm up, you will glad to know that my new Disco is no better _________________ Cheers
Paul.K/LuckyTrucker |
|
Back to top |
|
|
stanners **
Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 68 Location: Stafford
|
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 19:12 Post subject: |
|
|
I'm going to sound like an ignoramous now - but doesn't running an engine cold damage the lifetime of the unit by engendering increased wear? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hard1 Lifetime member
Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 3544 Location: New Forest Old Git
|
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 0:13 Post subject: |
|
|
stanners wrote: |
I'm going to sound like an ignoramous now - but doesn't running an engine cold damage the lifetime of the unit by engendering increased wear? |
"Cold" is a relative term. The engine won't be too cold damage wise, but it certainly won't be as efficient as a properly warm motor. Stone cold is the condition which causes most wear component wear, as in initial start-up. My gauge never goes above the cold mark in town in this weather, but I certainly can't keep my hand on the engine block for too long! _________________ 1999 Cougar with a NICE motor..
Click HERE to see under my bonnet! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|