[Vwdiesel] Too cold

[Val Christian]

> 
> This makes me wonder...what percentage of people who find the TDIs run too
> cold are running without the engine cover or the belly pan...
> 

I have several ALH TDIs, some with the full shrouds installed and some without
the cover or the belly pan.  From my experience, it makes little difference.
The shrouds do keep the engine compartment components warmer.  At highway
speeds the heat derived from the cabin heater is not noticably different.
At idle, it is different.

I can say that with the hood open at moderately cold temps, with no shrouds, 
it is nearly impossible to get the engine up to +80C for timing, when the 
ambient is -15C with no wind.

Finally, in my setting, keeping the shrouds off, seems to discourage mice from
finding a warm home in the car, whereever it is parked.  Put the shrouds on, 
and the mouse droppings appear all over the engine.  Keep the shrounds off, 
and the hotel is not as inviting.