Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ketcat
As I'm sure you know (sounds like you are mechanically inclined) if you ask three different engineers about cooling system theory you will get three different answers. Bigger radiator, offset rows, different fin designs, different coolant, coolant flow direction, fans etc..... Lot's of race teams are using the SMALLEST radiator they can run without overheating on the track.
The fact is any stock car should be able to idle in 110 (even 120) all day with the A/C on and never overheat or getting hot.
Because it appears to be a problem with most H3's in this area I thought it would be important for people to know someone is looking at one possible solution.
Personally mine has not overheated but if it did I would make the dealer fix it and if they didn't I would get GM involved.
|
You are absolutely right about this. Cooling system design is a bit of balancing act, and black art. You want a big, deep radiator with a lot of fins, plenty of tubes, but not too deep and not too many fins and tubes such that it restricts air flow. You can change the pitch and number of fan blades. You can change the clutch cut-in temperature, and fan rpm. GM runs a lot of tests on cooling systems to try to strike the best balance, including cooling system performance, A/C performance, fan noise, and fan load. I am a little surprised the cooling system seems a bit marginal at low speeds and high temperatures on a vehicle designed for rock crawling, but I wasn't there when they came up with the compromises stated above. I wouldn't mind hearing what people's trailer towing experiences have been in hot weather. That is one of the most difficult tests to pass.
I was only suggesting the pusher fan, because it would probably be less expensive than a custom radiator, and so far the problems have been reported at low engine and vehicle speeds. I also thought the A/C performance was marginal at low engine and vehicle speeds, and an electric fan would help that condition, too. My experience is the H3 cools down quickly as soon as engine speeds are brought up.
Michael