[Vwdiesel] winter fronts

[James Hansen]

>    Yes, well at those extremes I can understand, but generally
> that shouldn't be
> needed. And besides -- running any equipment when it's that cold
> is just pure
> abuse! 8-)


Not really, that's why the winter fronts.
Good winter tires don't stay flat on one side either.

> on a birch tree when it was about -25C. Better to stay home and
> feed the fire.

No arguments, but hey, life goes on. I've pushed lots of snow at -30 with
the Michigan loader. Had to, no choice, as I want the wife to be aable to
make it home again in the blown snow/blizzard etc.

When computer controlled diesels came out in Semi-trailer trucks, they
didn't want to have winter fronts any more, and manufacturers insisted that
you needed the airflow throught the engine compartment.  I've been out of
touch for a while, but I see an awful lot of newer trucks running storm
fronts again- the air to air intercoolers get frosted up elements if
conditions are right (high humidity), and totally block airflow, causing
engine heating. (this is on the outside not the inside) So now a lot of
truckers run them again, but mostly open, to keep the intercooler cool, but
not frozen up and the engine from overheating as a result.  A good number
don't run anything either, but a buddy has lost his coolant due to hoar
frost on the intercooler, hence the storm front.  Storm front keeps the
entire engine compartment warmer too- which the cab is behind and keeps your
feet correspondingly warmer.

In my Jetta, at -40, turning the heater fan on high makes the engine heat
drop. There is just too much heat lost to air in the engine compartment if
you don't have something over the grill at the very least. In fact, in the
winter, I disconnect the low speed side of the rad fan, so it doesn't run
when the defrost is on. Engine then runs much closer to normal that way;
when the fan is on at -30 to -40, it cools off to half of indicated value.

You better buy a cat Harmon ;)

-James


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.449 / Virus Database: 251 - Release Date: 1/27/2003