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Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:13 pm

Does anyone have any data on engine temperatures with the heat on compared having heat off? Whenever i cruise 55 or over for a while I'll turn my heat on thinking the more air im moving the better but i have nothing to support it and im still saving up for some gauges. Any information or other opinions are appreciated.

thanks, dylan.

Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:30 pm

I don't think it makes any difference. The heater boxes are designed to constantly flow air over the heat exchange fins. If the heat is on, the air flows into the cabin. If the heat is off, the air dumps out at the front of the heater boxes. The amount of airflow may be a little different between the heat on or off, but I don't think it makes much difference to the engine.

Probably more significant is that the outside air is generally colder when the heat is on. If you don't have the thermostat and flaps anymore to regulate the amount of cooling air, the engine will run cooler just because colder outside air is blowing over the engine, not because the heater is on.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:23 am

There should be no difference at all. The same amount of air is moving the same places, just as stated above when the heat is off the hot air dumps out under the car.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:31 am

Even with the heat turned off the double valve in each HE allows cooling air to be passing through the HEs.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:13 pm

thanks guys. i guess next summer i can cruise down 70 without the heat on. haha