First big test!

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by Jim Dunlop

... can literally feel the accelerator jerk when the fan kicks on -- is this due to sapping engine power or due to fan-induced turbulence disrupting aerodynamics at highway speeds? ... Any comments for me, especially w.r.t. engine operating temperature and combustion efficiency?

My guess is that you're feeling the alternator's increased load on the engine.

As for the grill block, I think the aerodymics are best if say the lower part is open and the upper is blocked in a clean way so the air can flow over the hood well. I started with a "seive" approach of a bunch of openings spread over the grill but I decided to go with mostly a blocked upper and open lower for mine. FWIW.

[boofighter]

that video was great. i thought that it funny. i like the whole sarcastic reference to beer being the perfect beverage to driving. i think that we need to see some video of this in action. or not, would not want to be the camera operator behind the webernator.

[Gary Palmer]

Jim Dunlop: I have a couple of thoughts, for your consideration.

First, the when the fan or fans come on, it does cause a noticable drop in power. This is probably a function of the power being pulled through the alternator, to run the fan but it is also a function of the load on the fan.

Second, I suspect that their is some lower end limit to the size of holes you can put into the grill block and still have it allow the air flow you need. When I was running my grill block I used two holes that were 2" * 4", which seemed to be a pretty good balance. It's a little tougher with 1/4" holes, but my suspicion is that their is some point where the hole starts to just look like a rough spot, with very little real airflow through it.

Good luck with your efforts.

[kitcar]

Originally Posted by Jim Dunlop

I have been experimenting with an aluminum sheet grille block lately. Basically it is a long rectangular strip, slightly tapered/curved to accommodate the slight conical shape when applied to the fascia. It mounts to the black plastic "tongue" which splits the grille in half lengthwise via some 2" angle brackets and screws.

As I watch the engine temperature rise and the fan kick on (at highway speeds), I drill more 1/4" holes in the middle bottom of the sheet. My goal is to run a little hotter than stock operating temperature, but not so hot that the fan turns on.

So far I can tell this tank of gas is going to have horrible FE, because I did a lot of driveway idling, I revved around town, and now the fan keeps kicking on. I can literally feel the accelerator jerk when the fan kicks on -- is this due to sapping engine power or due to fan-induced turbulence disrupting aerodynamics at highway speeds?

I will post pictures hopefully this weekend and give updates as I continue to drill holes and thereby increase radiator airflow. Any comments for me, especially w.r.t. engine operating temperature and combustion efficiency?

My vehicle is in my sig. It has dual fans; a low resistance mechanical fan and a 16 inch electric for over 190 degrees coolant.

What I've done (and a lot of Dakota guys have done) is get some aluminum gutter guard and install that behind (or in front, your choice) of the stock grill. This has the effect, when you mount it in the upward direction of the punched holes of blocking a certain portion of the air coming in. My temperature penalty was 15 degrees when I installed it. At that point you can start installing plexiglas grill blockers over portions of the grill. With this combo, it gave me an additional .75 to 1 mpg. Total cost was something like ten bucks for the whole grill. To bend the plexiglas, see my video about it here:

plexiglas mod video.

[kitcar]

Originally Posted by boofighter

that video was great. i thought that it funny. i like the whole sarcastic reference to beer being the perfect beverage to driving. i think that we need to see some video of this in action. or not, would not want to be the camera operator behind the webernator.

Well Boo, you'll just have to wait for the infomercial that I'm doing for Associated Content - they want me to do some 10 minute shorts in addition to the regular version of This Old Shack.

Here's the infomercial narration. So far.


"You've heard all the claims of some gas mileage products only to be disappointed. What if I were to tell you that you could actually improve your gas mileage to over 75 miles per gallon while being able to power your vehicle at the same time? All without pouring anything into your engine or gas tank or shoving some swirling device into your air cleaner. What if you could also use that amazing device to cook your food or even as a refrigerator? Would you be interested? Of course you would. Introducing the Webernator! When it's installed with it's charcoal gas to methane converter you can convert simple charcoal smoke into methane for powering your vehicle! The Webernator was developed by the ACME products company. That's right, the same company that brought you Atomic Road Runner bird seed and the amazing dehydrated boulders as well as the ACME death ray now brings you the most amazing product to save gas that you've ever seen."

[Jim Dunlop]

Thank you for your comments. I will factor them into my actions going forward.

[kitcar]

It's true, the second big test is coming this Friday. I've got the Acetone in the tank, the very same mods are on the body, including the 2 inch clear tape over the driving lights. Weight will be the same. Thinking about checking the fluids and then sealing the hood with tape.

The temperature is scheduled to be 80 degrees, no high winds this time. Route is from Ann Arbor, Mi to Jackson via I-94 then U.S. 127 from Jackson to the merge with I-75 and then to Gaylord, Michigan. One way trip; 247 miles. Last average was 25.6 mpg. Drafting campers and semis at opportunity.

Any suggestions for driving techniques appreciated. The cruise control in the the Dakota is "okay" not much more. It can surge on hills. Frankly, I can control the speed better than the cruise, especially on hills.

Going down hills will be with clutch in as always.

Note: my average almost never varies. City is 22.5 to 21.7, highway is 24.5 to 25.6.

[MnFocus]

Have you tried coasting downhill in neutral, no clutch ? The Focus gets stoopid FE when doing that .

[kitcar]

Originally Posted by MnFocus

Have you tried coasting downhill in neutral, no clutch ? The Focus gets stoopid FE when doing that .

That's how I drive normally. You people actually don't?

My instant FE meter tops out at 99. With the new aero package, I can even coast on the highway with no speed loss.

[MnFocus]

Originally Posted by kitcar

Any suggestions for driving techniques appreciated.
**Going down hills will be with clutch in as always.**


Quote:
Originally Posted by MnFocus
Have you tried coasting downhill in neutral, no clutch ? The Focus gets stoopid FE when doing that .

**That's how I drive normally. You people actually don't? **

My instant FE meter tops out at 99. With the new aero package, I can even coast on the highway with no speed loss.

I must've misunderstood by the way you had posted the "clutch in as always" - Downhills are made for coasting ! So there ya go !!

this preceding message for Scangauge is for informational purposes only I am in no way affiliated with Linear Logic in any other capacity than as a customer ....
Instant FE gauge maxing out ? !! Get a ScanGaugeII it has all kinds of ElNeato features that you can use ! Get One!!!