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Original Message
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| I run my blocked crossovers in Minneapolis. |
| By Dave Shoe - 05/03/2002 2:19:05 PM; IP 12.2.11.131 |
I wondered about how my engine would handle the blocked crossovers in cold weather, and I have no problems at all at -20 degrees F. This is a 452CJ with Blue Thunder intake, an 850DP, and no choke plate. I've installed the choke plate with no improvement in cold starting, so it remains removed. Naturally, I pump the gas to enrichen the starting fuel-air mix.
Below -20F, stock starters don't crank fast enough to start the motor, even with Mobil1 oil. When I try it with a ministarter in the future, I may be able to start in even colder temps. I'm hoping so.
I've purchased some SAE technical papers which discuss carburetor icing problems, a condition which sometimes exists at about 40 degrees F on humid days, but I've never had any carb icing problems myself, and I haven't yet read the papers to learn whether the crossover would help this possible condition out.
The engine runs like a dream (a scary dream, mind you) on the coldest of days. I've got to twiddle the gas pedal a little to activate the accelerator pumps when accelerating from a stop for the first minute or two, but after that, all runs smooth and strong with the heat crossover blocked.
I'm cautious about recommending the use of just a gasket to block the crossover, because the gasket really does bake a bit, and one good strong backfire has been known to blow them out. Backing the gasket with silicone is an interesting idea, but it brings to mind a friend who decided to just use steel wool to block the heat crossover. Naturally this was soon blown out, though it did not seem to damage the engine. I suspect it could have been a disaster. The same intake was powdercoated silver and it turned brown at the crossover humps because the steel wool didn't block the heat.
When I play with engines, I'm not really thinking of resale value that much. Since welding the heat crossover is a permanent change for my intakes, I'm not hesitant to do this. Blocking the heat passage would also slow or stop the corrosion of the crossover chamber, so future value may not deteriorate as badly as one might think. I have sold a few blocked crossover intakes in the past, and their value was never brought into question by the mod.
If the silicone backed gasket works, that's great. I'll stick to good old reliable welding for now.
Also, I appreciate having my opinions questioned. I'm more of a bookworm mechanic, and lotsa forum folk have way more hands-on experience than me. I'm mainly here to learn.
Shoe. |
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