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Thermal cycles can lead to issues with dissimilar metals having different expansion rates. If the plug and fitting are both ferrous, no problem, any thoughts?
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Good point. I've never used brazed parts in a thermally active location so perhaps a welded steel one will follow. I just need a steel elbow with the right OD or I could also just mitre a tube. Hmm. Good think I have spare drain plugs.
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That loop also handles cooling the inverter, which is at the top of the coolant column.
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This is one slight wrinkle that requires some thinking. I was hoping the hot fluid would bypass the upper loop, but If I leave it all like it is, the heat travels into the radiator before making it to the inverter and then back down. So it's been cooled a bit by the time it gets there but it's a waste of energy.
If I clamp off the return hose before it flows back into the transparent reservoir, then the heat flows through the loop I created by tapping the drain and stays in the transaxle. To solve this I bought a valve to install in the upper hose but then I have to open and close it all the time. What I need is a 12V valve that is wired to open when the IG is on.
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The Graham scanner can report inverter temperatures and I would be interested in the final temperature after say 4-6 hours.
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The transaxle heats up to over 50˚C within an hour and a half. If I then unclamp the top hose so the hot coolant can enter the inverter, the radiator fans come on even if the car is off. Built in safety. Is that an Easter egg?
I have a Kill-A-Watt on loan from the local library. I will hook it up to see what it costs for a heat up. My local rate is .085/kwh on tier 2. I'm not that interested in the financial aspect because all our power is clean hydro, I'm happy to pay more to not burn gas but I'm curious anyhow.