Adjustable Radiator Block

[Travelover]

OK, this is a little off topic, but this is the most creative group I can think of to ask.

I've got an Escape Hybrid SUV and when the temperature drops below about 40 degrees F, the fuel economy drops off significantly (33 mpg to 26 or so). I have found that blocking the radiator with cardboard gets the mileage back up. Living in Michigan, however, the temperature has wild swings in the fall and spring. I don't want to have to crawl underneath and drag out the cardboard if we get a warm day.

Any ideas of something I can make simply to be able to block and unblock the radiator easily? I can envision something complicated like a shudder system used on stationary generator sets, but I'm looking for simple.

Thanks in advance for any creative ideas.

Tom

 

[sandman2234]

The shutter system is probably the best bet if you have room in front of the condenser, behind the grill. You could make it cable operated for simplicity, or sensor operated if you just got the time and money. Tractor/trailer used to use them but most have gone to thermostat operated, as they are cheaper, with curtains over the grill if it doesn't stop the cold.
Would changing out the thermostat to a warmer opening temp help?
David from jax

 

[Travelover]

.........
Would changing out the thermostat to a warmer opening temp help?
David from jax

Thanks. No, the issue is not the thermostat - the problem is that the engine & catalysts cool off too much just from air flow in the engine compartment.

 

[tlbuser]

Check with this place. Winter Fronts from Alaska Tent and Tarp I bought a couple of their covers and was extremely pleased with them and their products. Not very pricey either.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Have you taken this back to the dealer? That would be my first step.

It sounds like your ECM may think that the engine is always cold and running in start mode. Basically, running with the electronic fuel injection version of having the choke closed. Fuel injected vehicles run rich when they sense cooler engine temps, hence your lower fuel mileage.

 

[herringchoker]

Many years ago when I was a wee lad, our family sedan was a 1959 Skoda (made in Czechslovakia). Between the grille and radiator it had something like a roll-up window blind that (if memory serves) you could pull up from the bottom with a cord.

 

[Travelover]

Thanks to all for your input.

tlbuuser I like the Alaskan grille covers - I thought of making something like this myself, but would prefer something between the grill and radiator.

WCH - there is nothing wrong with the Escape - it is operating as designed. Hybrids get better mileage because the engine only runs as needed, but the engine has to maintain a certain level of temperature to meet emissions. So I need to keep it warm or it will run needlessly just to stay at operating temperature. Tryin' to tweak it.

herringchoker - interesting idea - I believe the early Saabs had this window shade design, too. I'm trying to think of how to do it without turning into a major project. I may just use nylon fabric with rope on each side to raise and lower it.

 

[john_bud]

The low tech approach is to put a flatened bottom or side from a case of beer in front of the radiator. The material is thin and usually coated with wax or plastic to make it fairly water proof.

jb

 

[Travelover]

The low tech approach is to put a flattened bottom or side from a case of beer in front of the radiator. The material is thin and usually coated with wax or plastic to make it fairly water proof.

jb

Plus, I get to drink the beer! Thanks.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Wow, you would think that the engineers would have covered that

I do like the beer case idea. The best part is telling the wifey that you have to go to the beer store to replace your engine warmer. Yum.