Now that the weather has started warming up, I'm beginning to see some issues developing from the headers.
Went for a long drive on the Interstate today. Mostly 65-75 mph. Temperature gauge was not having fun. I could literally watch a difference in engine temperatures when the sun was out versus when a cloud would pass by. Seems I'm having some issues blowing the "stank" out from under the hood.
Well, looks like i need to put "fender vents / cut hood for cowl induction" on the to-do list; this will only get worse as the engine build continues.
When I got home, I had an hour or two to kill. Since the 2.9 is allergic to heat, figured no time like the present to start correcting a potential issue. Took the initative, and installed the Mercedes C230 Kompresor pusher fans. They are from the same car from which I pulled the M62 supercharger. They fit like they were made for it.
I can't express how brilliant the fit is. All I needed to do was remove the plastic shroud from the fan unit and drill four holes in my core support. Even re-used the 'benz bolts that were on the fans. Oh, hidden bonus, the fan units are aluminum. Gotta love Mercedes.
They easily move 3x the air that the 16" electric puller does. These things are like a freakin' tornado on the front of the radiator. I was planning on installing a bigger radiator (eventually) for towing and truck stuff/driving way too fast on dirt roads. No need now.
Tested them out in the driveway. Let the truck get up to temperature with the hood down and the 'benz fans off. I have the windshield wiper linkage access plate removed on the cowl to encourage airflow through the engine bay. Without the 'benz fans, I had the normal heat tsunami running out of the cowl.
Kicked on the 'benz fans. within 2 minutes, air was leaving the cowl at slightly above ambient temp, as well as pouring out of the gaps in the fender skirts. These things WORK.
Hit the bottom of the radiator with the laser temp. By time coolant is getting back to the engine, it's at ambient temperature. Heh.
Video of them in action:
Need to figure out how I want to control them. Either temperature activated by the coolant or ambient engine bay temperature, or road speed activated to kick on while in traffic. Probably going to opt for a temperature probe by the fuel rail and allow the intake area temperature control them. Should give me the desired result of them running when at low speed and while stuck in traffic, and turning off when cruising.
Photo of them installed. LIKE A GLOVE. Just need to get rid of the paint marker mess.