Kewl Feature of Photobucket (at least for me)

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:21 pm

I just checked out this feature...very easy to use...drag your cursor across the grill

http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb97 ... P_0209.jpg

Can't seem to get the pic here but can link to it...oh well

bugnout · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:23 pm

Very cool. Do you run with 3 of 7 open all year or do you plan on removing some during the summer?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:31 am

I will probably run with this set up all year...the two on the passenger side are part of my custom air intake to the 2002 Air Box. If I run into any problems, I can easily remove the two on the driver side.

chadhargis · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:56 pm

Sorry to ask a question everyone seems to know the answer to except me, but why would you do this? Heat is the enemy of any engine isn't it? Are we constantly fighting to REMOVE heat?

Reflex · **Joined:** Mon Jan 29, 2007 8:48 pm **Posts:** 567

Supposedly it gives better mileage due to keeping the engine at its optimal temperature easier. But as you say, heat is the enemy of any mechanical device, so like many of the other popular mods here I question what it will do to the longevity of the engine...

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:06 pm

Any engine has an optimum heat range that is the most efficient. The CRD has a theromostat that keeps it around 168-173 F. While that is probably not the most efficient temp for fuel mileage...it is what we have. The reason for the grill blocks in very cold climates is to get to that temperature as quick as you can...and hold it. Since I am in Texas a full grill block is not needed but a little has helped. In reality the passenger side acts more like an Air Scoop-Grill Block.

I know that most people think that any heat is bad...get it out...but if you watch racing, you will notice how small the grill openings are and that sometimes they are taped (200 mph tape) up to get to temps. You just have to pay attention to your temps. There is also a small aero advantage even with just some blocked. If you look behind the ones that are blocked...they really don't hit the radiator/intercooler/AC directly.

Cold is also an enemy of mechanical devices ;-)

. There is a range of temps between TOO COLD and TOO HOT that is optimum...that is what we are looking to be in.

Reflex · **Joined:** Mon Jan 29, 2007 8:48 pm **Posts:** 567

Not trying to debate or anything, I don't think its a big deal, but wouldn't racing engines have low airflow because longevity of the engine is irrelevant in an engine that is serviced every single race, if not completely rebuilt?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:18 pm

There are many factors when it comes to temps...a blanket statement that HEAT is a ENEMY is just not correct. Fuel needs a certain heat to explode/ignite correctly and efficiently. Oil needs a certain temperature range to flow and lubricate properly. Tires require a certain temp attained with pressures and aligment to realize thier full potential. Yes race engines like Nascar/Indy are rebuilt every race but that does not change the fact that either more horsepower or better fuel mileage is affected by temperature ranges. Even our trannies have to come to temp to shift correctly. It is all a matter of temperature management.

I will just say that my mileage has gone up with the mod. I tested with fewer blocks...then with the current set up...then with a full grill block...and then back to the current setup with the trhee middle slots open and the two passenger slots blocked AND used as an "air catch". Mileage changed under the same driving conditions for different setups and returned to the best on two test of the same setup.

chrispitude · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:39 pm

Speaking generally, the hotter an internal combustion is, the more efficiently it operates. This is a basic thermodynamic property of the combustion cycle (which I once knew how to derive when I was in school getting my EE degree, but have since forgotten). Heat may be good for thermodynamic efficiency, but it's bad for lots of other things (engine oil and the needed hydrodynamic bearing surfaces, longevity of the engine parts, heat soak into the intake, etc.). Sometimes cold engines may make more power (denser air charges, richer fuel curves), but hot engines will turn fuel into power more efficiently. Of course, if the computer has software which starts pulling fuel back or running in limp modes, all that can change.

- Chris

CATCRD · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:44 pm

Has anyone monitored intake air temp with the grille blocked? I'd do it but don't have a scangage. I'm talking about the second IAT - after the intercooler. Temp at the airbox should be about the same.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:45 pm

ALL TRUE. The thing is we are dealing with smaller temp changes here...we are really working toward holding a specific temp and getting to it earlier to increase mileage. If I were going for a dyno run...off comes two of the grill blocks. With good synthetic oils...these temps are not going to cause any further wear than normal...remember we are not really raising temps; instead, we are trying to get to them faster and hold them.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:47 pm

We were alluding to using a scan guage in the other threads...this thread was not meant to discuss this...just ended up that way...

CATCRD · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:50 pm

Yeah, I'm getting all these winter front threads confused, forgot which one I was posting in.

chadhargis · **Posted:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:21 pm

Thanks for the info guys. My mechanical knowledge is mostly with motorcycles, but air/oil cooled and water cooled. It the case of an aircooled engine, they are designed to run in a wide temp range. Too cold, and the rings won't seal will since the surrounding cylinder wall hasn't expanded to seal them. Too hot and you get detonation, which I don't guess is much of an issue with diesels.

This is my first diesel, so I'm still learning. Being in Tennessee, we have wacky weather. It might be 20 in the morning and 60 in the afternoon. For the most part, my CRD gets great mileage unless I'm doing a lot of stop and go. City driving will give me about 19mpg. Interstate will give me 28-30 (depending on the fuel quality). Even towing my utility trailer with my motorcycle on board I got 25.1mpg.

I must be doing something right.

dog_party · **Posted:** Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:37 pm

DarbyWalters wrote:

I just checked out this feature...very easy to use...drag your cursor across the grill

http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb97 ... P_0209.jpg

Can't seem to get the pic here but can link to it...oh well

That's sweet Darby! How did you do that? I'd like to mark up a few picts with that little feature!!

Kewl Feature of Photobucket (at least for me)

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