12 replies to this topic

[Renessy]

Hi again!

Another question.... I have a B16 engine in the back. I dont make use of the heater.
Is it ok to block the in- and outlet hoses of the heater in the engine? Now I just have a line from in- to outlet which just circulaties a lot of coolant I think....
When blocking the heater outlets it will probably have more capaciteit and pressure to pump the coolant to the radiator at the front. And thats better for cooling the engine. Win!

What do you think?

[ings]

Im also intersested to this. Because the oem heater valve is not blockin properly in summer the cabin gets very hot. Is it ok to block the hose complete with a proper valve?

[harrythehat]

no problem blanking off heater hoses it wont cause any overheating problems as heater valves work on directing water not stopping flow

[nicklouse]

ok so here we have people talking about Honda engines and A series engines.

 

might be an idea to specify which you are talking about. And there is two ways the heater is supplied with hot water or not depending on which version of the Mini you have.

[Renessy]

I was referring to a B16 Honda engine...

 

I blocked the heater inlet hose and everything is still working! It does send more water to the radiator so more is being cooled. That part of the plan worked out ok.

 

in my situation, the radiator I got with the Zcars kit is a singleline radiator. That's not/just enough to cool the engine. In this hot weather it is ok when driving but standing still the fan quickly comes on and stays on. 95 degrees it stay's on. Just enough to not overheat the engine..... So, Going shopping for a dual radiator it is.....

[Bat]

Hi,

Try putting a restriction in your bypass pipe. It will slow the coolant flow but prevent airlocks. Leave a 6mm hole. As a quick test a 6mm body washer in one end of the hose would give you an clue if it's going to work.

Cheers 

Edited by Bat, 14 July 2018 - 12:20 PM.

[Retroman]

I would be trying a smaller rad or heater matrix on the heater outlet pipes rather than blocking them off.

 

It was designed at great expense that way, and it might still be working, but at 95 degrees its too hot.

 

Blocking them off might be causing circulation issues in the block and hot spots which you cant see or test.

 

even a heater matrix can make a good difference to engine temp

[Renessy]

In the end I think it all begins with the lack of air flow around the engine because it is in the back. In front you have way more cooling air around the engine....

 

Maybe some ducts in the side windows with an air hose going to the engine bay for more air?

or holes with radiator fans in the bootlid to force the air out?

 

 

Putting a smaller rad in the heater lines isn't a bad idea too...

 

 

How are the engine temps of other Zcars riders?

 

Come on, share!

[Bat]

Hi,

Have you wrapped the exhaust manifold and downpipe?

That will give off a lot of heat into the small space if not....

Cheers 

[Bat]

Hi,

If you're going to duct air in you'll need to vent the boot lid to let it out.

If I remember correctly the area behind the car is low pressure so that's where you'll want the hot air exhausting.

Cheers 

[nicklouse]

some questions. where is your Main rad now? do you have any plans to run a heater unit?

[Renessy]

@minimad, I did not do that. Maybe not a bad plan. Every degree counts... Thumbs up.

 

@bat, thanks for the reply. I'm going to look into that.

 

@nicklouse, The rad is at the front of the mini and no, I don't have plans on running a heater unit. Don't need it. the enginge is my heater....

Edited by Renessy, 16 July 2018 - 03:21 PM.

[nicklouse]

then i would run the heater inlet and outlet up to the front as a second rad. as well as giving more area for cooling it will also give the system more capacity to store heat.