Engine Cooling in Hot Weather.

[Ausfree]

At the moment we are middle of some very hot weather and I have wondered about adequate ventilation around the KV6 engine in my 2001 FL1. There is a large plastic cowling over the top of the engine and an underbelly protection panel under the motor to protect it from damage in an off road situation. My theory is, this does nothing to assist cooling of the engine in very hot weather and if I removed the underbelly panel for normal driving (note...not off road) would this assist in the cooling of the motor by allowing more air to circulate.
Or, in the designers wisdom, did they allow for this and designed the radiator to be more than adequate for normal engine cooling in all temperatures, despite the fact the engine is enclosed on both top and bottom!!:confused:

[bee utey]

I believe the underbonnet skirts are designed to increase the vacuum under the back of the engine bay (to pull the air through), that is why they don't continue past the engine much. I know the 240 series Volvo cooling systems were very much compromised by removing their under-engine tray. A better solution to cooling would be to fit a removeable/flexible spoiler under the bumper. This creates more vacuum under the car and higher air pressure in front of the radiator to increase cooling air flow.

[SuperMono]

My V6 was used extensively in hot weather, at low speed and off-road, during the 2009 Vic summer. Temperatures well over 40C and you may recall some big fires resulting.

I was concerned at the time and kept a close eye on the temp guage (had a leaky water pump then too) and when the fans kicked up to high speed they sure make a howl.
No problems experienced and I don't suggest trying to improve the ventilation unless you are planning to cut holes in the bonnent to let the hot air out.
The compartment where the ECU lives includes it's own ventilation system which runs after you shut off the engine as well.

What I did do was open the bonnet when I stopped to let all the hot air out and try to avoid any heatsoak issues.

[Ausfree]

Yeah, I also open the bonnet after a drive on a very hot day and I notice the bonnet prop is very hot to touch. Doesn't take the engine long to cool down with the bonnet open. If you don't open the bonnet after a drive on a hot day the engine holds its heat for much longer!!!

[Gooseneck]

There's a lot of heat generated off the road surface on a hot day, so maybe the protection assists in deflecting some of the heat.