Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2007 15:41:54 +0000
Reply-To: dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Engine temp and emissions testing
In-Reply-To: <de48c0be0702050710h7b161367y251626402ea0244f@mail.gmail.com>
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The engine should go into closed loop mode at around 120F. So weather you have an 80C or 87C thermostat, the fuel injection will pretty much work the same. Of course, actual efficiency and oil heating can be affected.
I very cold weather, with both heaters going full force, it is possible to keep the engine from reaching the thermostat temperature. A leaky or over-reactive t-stat will also keep the engine from heating. The factory t-stat actually has a rubber seal on the control disc to prevent any leakage when closed. Most after market do not have this feature. The Vanagon radiator and cooling system is so oversized, this does make a difference.
In cold weather, one must resist the temptation to turn the front heater fan on high. All air in front is outside air. The more air moved past the coer, the less it is heated. If you look at the legend by the heater fan knob, you will see all the levers indicated to the right and the number2. The number 2 indicates the recommended fan speed max best defrost/heating action. When on the highway, just turn the fan off. There will be enough air flow the air will heat much faster. The rear heater is recirculating the air so it can heat much faster as the interior warms up. Only open the valve half way or less. This allows more coolant to go to the front heater.
Dennis
----- Original Message -----
From: mordo
Date: Monday, February 5, 2007 10:12 am
Subject: Engine temp and emissions testing
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> I've been reading some threads in the archives regarding different
> thermostat temps and the idea that it is possible to run a 2.1l
> (or any
> engine) too cool. This morning's frigid temps and the lack of
> heat got me to
> thinking about my impending emissions test. I will have to have the
> emissions tested when there is a possibility for seriously cold
> weather.
> Am I correct in thinking that a cold engine will necessarily run
> rich and
> therefore cause potentially high emissions readings? Is it
> advisable to run
> a different than stock thermostat in order to increase engine
> temp for
> emissions testing?
>
> Generally, my temp gauge never goes above the LED, even in
> summer. Today,
> after twenty minutes in some stop-and-go, the needle never left
> the lowest
> mark on the gauge.
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
>
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