TDi cooling in winter

[cr33p]

I was wondering if it's better in winter to block a part of the front holes in the bumper and the grille.

Would the engine take less time to heat up in the morning? Currently it needs about 10km to get to working temperature and I know some diesel car owners block their front grille in winter time.

 

[TornadoRed]

I was wondering if it's better in winter to block a part of the front holes in the bumper and the grille.

Would the engine take less time to heat up in the morning? Currently it needs about 10km to get to working temperature and I know some diesel car owners block their front grille in winter time.

I'm not sure how effective it will be, but it won't hurt anything. I've heard of some people using strips of styrofoam between the grill inserts in a Golf, but a solid block of styrofoam will work okay in most any TDI-engine car. But don't block the intercooler.

 

[cr33p]

I was thinking about blocking the upper section, behind the grille.

 

[m0rk]

I can't see the point

Water will only flow into the radiator once the water is up to temperature - so you will not get the desired affect if you do this

 

[muddyboots]

mork's right, there is a thermostat fitted in the cooling system so water only flows to the radiator when it's hot enough.

I don't think the long warm-up time is due to airflow, it's just a diesel thing. If you leave a diesel idling it'll take forever to warm up; if you leave a petrol idling it'll warm up in a few minutes.

Some diesel cars have additional heaters to heat the coolant up when the engine's cold...my Passat has an electrical heater, I get toasty warm air in a minute or two, far better than the Ibiza was.
I dread to think what current the poor battery has to supply though, when the coolant heater is on at the same time as the heated seats, mirror heaters, fan, rear screen heater, headlights....

 

[cr33p]

Thanks for clearing things up for me. So I should check if an aftermarket heater is available for the Ibiza.

 

[basstard]

It takes a lot to warm up during the winter here in roma, I dread to imagine what's it like in the uk,,,
I know some one in here who used a shitroen picasso heater on the ibiza,,,
maybe he'd like to share his achievements with us all???

 

[redcupratdi]

get a plumbers blow torch/ or camp grill and heat up sump for 5mins before leaving

i think i may get a cigerate powered heater for winter. or a new gloves and hat

it is gonna be a v cold jan/feb

 

[Fluke]

I dread to think what current the poor battery has to supply though, when the coolant heater is on at the same time as the heated seats, mirror heaters, fan, rear screen heater, headlights....

Should all come directly from the alternator once the engine is running. And in a modern car you won't see the revs drop under the load, but you will be using a little more fuel.

 

[cr33p]

Question: where to look if I already have a heater installed?

This morning it was about 1.5°c outside and it took about 800m (3 minutes from start in town) of driving to get warm air from the AC. The engine didn't get warm until 15km of driving (around 15-20 minutes from start).

 

[muddyboots]

Not sure - what car have you got ?

 

[cr33p]

Mk3 Ibiza sport TDi (110)

 

[basstard]

Question: where to look if I already have a heater installed?

Mate, since I have the same car, may I ask you some info on how did you install the heater? [what did it came off of, how you did connect it, pics,,,]

Don't want to bother but I'm really interested,,, thx in advance.

 

[cr33p]

Mate, since I have the same car, may I ask you some info on how did you install the heater? [what did it came off of, how you did connect it, pics,,,]

Don't want to bother but I'm really interested,,, thx in advance.

Well, I haven't Looks like the previous owner did, or it is factory-fitted. How long does it take to get warm air in your car from the A/C in the morning?

 

[devonutopia]

I think there's places that do pre-heaters. Never felt the need myself.

I look forward to the winter as my car gets a few extra horsies due to the nice cold air getting to the intercooler.

 

[basstard]

Well, I haven't Looks like the previous owner did, or it is factory-fitted. How long does it take to get warm air in your car from the A/C in the morning?

I don't think there was an option from the factory.

I never use A/C during the winter cos I feel ok with the hot hair from the fans only. It takes about 5 minutes of town driving when the winter is at its peak here, which means almost never below 0°C, usually 2-3°C. As soon as the water temp gauge starts moving, I get hot air from the fans. On the 28°C and HI settings it's enought warm for me so I don't need A/C. I am interested in the coolant heater cos I want the engine to be up to temp kinda quick since I only do small journeys [20-30 minutes max] in town traffic and sometimes I need the power but the engine is cold and I can't use it,,,

 

[Leigh15]

The PD engines are very efficient, this is why they take a long time to warm up - the energy in the fuel is being turnt into movement, not wasted as heat