Jim,
I think this system would work well on your TR7.
You've got a good point about the transmission fluid; you won't get any =
warming from the bottom of the radiator!
Re the thermostat housing, I made mine out of 2x 2" to 1 1/4" copper =
reducers, (normal plumbing fittings) and 2x square steel flanges with a =
2" hole in the centre of each and bolt holes in each corner, one flanged =
tapped. The smaller dimension of the copper reducers should match your =
lower radiator hose. Braze a reducer into each one and a 1/2" brass or =
copper fitting into the side of one reducer. (This side has the =
'waxstat' side of the thermostat in it.) Just clamp the thermstat, with =
a slotted rubber 'O' ring seal, between the two. I used a bit of silicon =
sealer for good measure. Just cut a section, about 3", out of the bottom =
hose and fit it in place.
A 4" piece of copper pipe the diameter of the top radiator hose with a =
1/2" fitting half way along completes it. Connect the two with =
appropriate hose, making sure to keep it out of the way of the fan and =
drive belts.
----------
From: James Babcock[SMTP:james.a.babcock@adn.alcatel.com]
Sent: Thursday, 31 July 1997 18:34
To: tboicey@brit.ca
Cc: BobHutton@vut.EDU.AU; shop-talk@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Re: Automotive cooling
Trevor Boicey wrote:
I don't think that I would try this on my TR7 which has
an underdesigned cooling system to begin with. It might make good
sense on my Dodge Dakota which has an oversized radiator for towing.
Most of the time around town, I'm sure that the thermostat cycles
continuously.
One other consideration that just came to mind is the cooling for
the auto transmission fluid. This is often a second radiator inside
the engine coolant passages of the main radiator. It not only helps
to keep the fluid cool in the summer time, but it helps the fluid
reach operating temperature in the winter (so it can boil off
water accumulated from condensation). If water is not flowing
through the radiator, the heat from the transmission cooler will
not be removed. This might be trouble.
I can visualize how to construct the T-fittings in the radiator hoses,
but I can't see how to do the housing for the thermostat in the
cold-side radiator hose. Can someone explain how to construct
this item out of common plumbing parts?
Jim Babcock
'80 TR7 dhc
'87 Dodge Dakota V6 auto 4x4
--=20
James A. Babcock, Software Engineer email: =
james.a.babcock@adn.alcatel.com
Alcatel Data Networks WWW: http://www.adn.alcatel.com
Ashburn, Virginia USA phone: +1 703 724 2762
Give blood -- it's a great feeling!!!
|