Snow screen

[John Bilko]

Has anyone fitted a Citroen snow screen to their Berlingo and does it work to speed up warming up?

Or is there something else I can use?

[jj9]

A snow screen (Radiator wind deflector) won't really make the engine reach operating temperature any faster if your thermostat is working as it should. That said, if the deflector reduces the amount of cold air circulating around the engine compartment this could possibly make a very slight difference but I doubt it.

A deflector will restrict / stop the flow of air through the radiator so once the thermostat opens the coolant passing through the radiator will not be cooled as much so the operating temperature of the engine should end up higher than normal, if you fit a deflector you need to monitor this carefully  as you don't want the engine to overheat if you drive a little further than usual.

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[John Bilko]

A snow screen (Radiator wind deflector) won't really make the engine reach operating temperature any faster if your thermostat is working as it should. That said, if the deflector reduces the amount of cold air circulating around the engine compartment this could possibly make a very slight difference but I doubt it.

A deflector will restrict / stop the flow of air through the radiator so once the thermostat opens the coolant passing through the radiator will not be cooled as much so the operating temperature of the engine should end up higher than normal, if you fit a deflector you need to monitor this carefully  as you don't want the engine to overheat if you drive a little further than usual.

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Yes I agree.  Maybe it has a summer stat fitted, I just don't know but even after a while it runs cool.  Maybe the stat is done for but it will have to wait.

[Sol]

it takes me around 10 miles before I get full heat. After 5 miles the coolant temp is still 60-70 and very little heat is produced. As JJ says, the screen is not easily controlled from inside if it starts to overheat. Modern diesels are very efficient and cold runners unless working hard.

I do remember seeing a vehicle with a thermo controlled blind on the rad but I think it was a Merc or a Jag, not sure if that is something you can get aftermarket.

[Robho]

A snow screen (Radiator wind deflector) won't really make the engine reach operating temperature any faster if your thermostat is working as it should. That said, if the deflector reduces the amount of cold air circulating around the engine compartment this could possibly make a very slight difference but I doubt it.

A deflector will restrict / stop the flow of air through the radiator so once the thermostat opens the coolant passing through the radiator will not be cooled as much so the operating temperature of the engine should end up higher than normal, if you fit a deflector you need to monitor this carefully  as you don't want the engine to overheat if you drive a little further than usual.

.

Yes I agree.  Maybe it has a summer stat fitted, I just don't know but even after a while it runs cool.  Maybe the stat is done for but it will have to wait.

I went through months of frustration with this, even fitting heated seats (which were worth it btw) and eventually fitted a replacement thermostat. Whilst my 1.6HDi still takes a little while to warm up it is loads better and I should have done the thermostat earlier. (If that helps)

[John Bilko]

it takes me around 10 miles before I get full heat. After 5 miles the coolant temp is still 60-70 and very little heat is produced. As JJ says, the screen is not easily controlled from inside if it starts to overheat. Modern diesels are very efficient and cold runners unless working hard.

I do remember seeing a vehicle with a thermo controlled blind on the rad but I think it was a Merc or a Jag, not sure if that is something you can get aftermarket.

Hehe, back in the day we used to fit rad blinds that operated from in the cab, some were mechanical and literally a blind and some were electric.  I have even fitted rad muffs.  

I have been working on this info in the handbook.

   

My home made job has made a massive difference.

[Sol]

Excellent! I might try the same thing then. Just till the cold snap is over of course.