Hi, I've been around here before even if it says 'new member' somewhere.. Haven't logged on for many months and the site didn't recognise me.. Anyhow.. I live near Loch Ness in Scotland..
I've checked the tech articles for an improvement to the incredibly awful 90 heater, but there isn't one. It's a regular source of interest in the UK on forums, especially in winter, but apart from secondary heaters there doesn't seem to be a way of keeping warm. Or is there? Does anyone know of a way of improving it? I once read in a mag that an owner had put a second heater matrix into the heater 'box' and was very pleased with the results. I tried a plastic scoop on the inlet but it made no difference. Sure, some 90's keep warm with the fan on max but the noise is annoying. Maybe someone in Canada has found a way...?
Just bought a 2000 90 TD5, my second of that model and 15th Land Rover in all. No, I never learn!
Sorry for posting in the wrong forum..
There was one article in one of the mod sections for removing a piece of the vent or heater that increases outflow. One of the more popular solutions though for us here has been Art V's drop curtains he offers in the fall. These seal off the front part of the truck reducing the amount of space your heater (and A/C) have to work to maintain temp. in.
Best mod by allot of memebers is to add insulation to keep the heat in and the cold out. But part of your problem is you are running a diesel, and Diesels need to be worked to get hot, unlike our Gas V8s that will get upto 195 F just sitting in the driveway. I would block the radiator completly, then open up a small hole as the engine warms up to keep from overheating. You may also want to try a block heater to help keep the engine a little warmer. You might also consider getting some heated seats or just the heating pads to put on the seats to help take the chill off.
Mike's right with diesels needing to work hard to generate heat. That's why I dread taking my 110 out in the winter for short hops - bad for motor, bad mileage, no time to get heat.
So, you're probably already aware of the following:
1. Eberspacher cabin heater
2. open up ducts
3. check controls open flaps fully
4. switch to electric fan
5. insulation: especially around doors
6. radiator muff
7. change of thermostat (I wouldn't)
Why not try this one: eliminate the stock, plastic air intake. Run a short piece of tube from the blower intake to a "Y" fitting. From this, one tube will go to the front of the engine bay to draw in fresh air. This eliminates the collection of water in the blower motor as in the stock setup. The other end of the "Y" pipe will go to a tube routed back into the cabin through a hole in the footwell(s). The dual-pipe end of the "Y" pipe will have a flap controlled by a cable routed close to the stock heater controls. This will select either fresh air or cabin air.
Now, I've seen this "Y" piece somewhere but can't recall. This setup should keep the air warmer and the system won't have to work hard heating cold fresh air. Sure there may be an issue with misting but so what - just wipe it off or play with the flap control.
Ideally, I'd like to find a "Y" pipe that's electrically controlled at the flip of a switch, as in many modern cars.
Finally, there has to be some sort of electric cabin heater that's up to the job but I haven't found an ideal one yet.
See my post in the other heater thread. My 90 keeps fully warm in -40C weather with the stock heater. It needs to be adjusted properly. IMHO, it is as good as most cars once adjusted.
One of the big things is to get proper insulation. Many 90s have very poor stock insulation.
Is yours a diesel? I doubt a diesel can work as well as you describe in temps you describe on its own. My 90 (gas) works great as is; my 110 (diesel) is just warm enough in the coldest of days.
Yes, mine is a diesel (2.5 NA). It has no problems staying at normal operating temperatures even at -40.
A 110 is a different story due to the larger cab compared to a 90. For a 110, I would personally purchase a second coolant style heater and place it in the right hand seat box to give more heat. There are lots of good options available for this without spending much money.
I do have a lots of insulation. The roof has 1" of insulation. The cargo area walls also have 1" with the floors having 1/2" to 1".
Follow-up Post:
This is a shot of the thermometer in my 90. Not -40, but cold enough.
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