MetroMPG.com mailbag: Metro engine won't stay warm in super cold weather

[MaxHedrm]

Originally Posted by Who

Darin, any reason why the cooling system, and that would include an external oil cooler, shouldn't be able keep a super-insulated block at optimal operating temperatures even in the summer?

Because it isn't designed to. A lot of heat radiates from an engine directly (hence your "need" to insulate the block). I think you would have some over heating issues in the warmer months even with an oil cooler.

[MetroMPG]

Another issue with a super-insulated engine: once up to normal operating temps, the 6x4 inch grille opening that meets the car's current cooling needs wouldn't cut it any more. And re-opening the grille to compensate would hurt aerodynamics.

We need someone to invent "variable insulation" .

[Silveredwings]

...or a variable grill block.

[DAN]

TEST YOUR ANTIFREEZE. IT CAN COOL DOWN IN THE AS THE COLD AIR CARRIES AWAY HEAT. THEN GO BACK WHEN STOPPED. IF NOT JUST PULL THE thermostat. PUT IN A CAN AND HEAT IT IN WATER. OF COURSE TEMOMOTER. MAKE SURE ITS CLOSED ALL THE WAY, SEE WHAT IT SHOULD OPEN AND SEE IF IT DOES SEE IF IT DOERS WITH A TEMOMOTER.