Muy Caliente
This month's summer issue proved to be a challenge for me in terms of editorial content, and it seems I bit off more than I could chew. My promise to offer in-depth technical coverage on "how to efficiently cool your car" had me working late hours, as I sat behind my laptop and HB Speed's dyno, calculating various temperature parameters and analyses of aftermarket radiators. With the aid of former Sport Compact Car editor Joey Leh and Jon from HB Speed (thanks guys), we were able to complete our testing in a limited time frame with some interesting results. Successful testing doesn't occur overnight, and I found myself searching through a number of books and reputable sources to better understand some of the more complex theories that revolve around an engine's cooling system.
Over the past year, I have developed somewhat of an obsessive compulsive disorder, as my Subaru's cooling system was emitting tiny bubbles from the reservoir. Although the problematic signs pointed to a blown head gasket, months of testing and troubleshooting had shown the problem to be inconclusive, and I have yet to determine the culprit. As the troublesome bubbles continue to form and the engine shows no signs of overheating, I've come to the realization that something as seemingly basic as engine cooling isn't basic at all. There's more complexity that lies within that aluminum heat exchanger, and the solution to my problems isn't as simple as dumping in a mixture of water and coolant.
Senior Editor
Scott Tsuneishi
scott@importtuner.com