Forum:
Hi,
I want to improve my sporttraks cooling system (97), either water, oil or both.
I plan to take it down through West Africa and across the sahara next year, it will be working hard in hot desert conditions at around 40 degrees C.
I'm not sure how much bigger the fourtrak rad is or any other options really.
Has anyone improved their sporttraks cooling, either water or oil?
Ideas and views please.
Matt.
In theory if the system is
In theory if the system is clean and opperating properly the standard car should be able to coup with that. However you could lock the viscouse fan, so it is working all the time. Or replace it/augment it with an electric fan, either working from a thermostate or manually opperated from a dash switch. A bigger rad may help, but only if the fan is coweled in properly to get maximum air throughput. It's not unusuel for non standard rads to be fitted to cars, then no cowling made up. This has the effect that the fan pulles air round the rad raher than through it, as that is the rout of least resistance.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
cooling
Hi,
Thanks for that.
I can see your view, I am just a little concerned about the engine working hard and the high ambient temp.
I want to be sure before I get there as mods on route etc will be difficult.
I think I am going to go with an electric fan on a stat.
What do you think would be more suitable:
An oil coiler on a stat or
Larger rad?.
I think the oil cooler will be easier to install but not sure how this will affect matters overall?
Any cooling will help.
Any cooling will help. Though where to mount you oil cooler is a concern. It has to have a good air flow, otherwise there is no point, but at the same time not be too exposed (hanging bellow the chassis for eg). I think I would go for the larger rad, if that is a fitment option. A deeper rad of the same hight and width as the original maybe. It doesn't have to be a Daihatsu rad after all.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
Heated
Several options are available, these are dependent upon the depth of your pocket.
Your cooling system should cope with the temperatures if it is in good condition.
Contact Serck Marston, they will manufacture a one off radiator with improved cooling characteristics, it will be the same size, and fit onto the original mountings. This may also incorporate an integral oil cooler if required, not cheap, but very reliable.
Replace the original fan with twin electric fans from Kenlowe, these are effectively two speed fans, fan one kicks in as required, and if more cooling is necessary, fan two kicks in also. Easy to fit for the average DIY enthusiats, and will give more power, quicker warm up in winter, and ultimately save fuel in the long term.
Fit a lower temperature rated thermostat, these open at a lower temperature and allow a higher volume of water to the radiator. Also possible is to fit a higher capacity water pump, this will also give a higher flow rate, and work well with a lower rated thermostat.
Forget oil coolers, they are expensive to buy, and a lot of work to fit; with very little gain, additional pipework can also cause problems. Systems require a lot more oil, and problems with the oil pump having to work harder may manifest themselves. To fit an oil cooler you will need the cooler itself, an oil thermostat and mounting block, associated pipework, and undertake the modifications to the lubrication system.
Finally, whichever option or options you select, ensure you clean the cooling system with a good cleaner and replace any hoses showing any wear, and fit a new thermostat and radiator cap.