You shoulda seen the cat ...

[Jacko]

88238824Several years ago I hit a cat at speed. Caused considerable damage ... had to replace the spoiler, condenser, rock screen etc. As I recall, the original rock screen was a woven wire affair that was pretty neat but unavailable. The one I received was a PSP style as pictured.

Fast forward to last weekend. I ran over a parking curb (not at speed) which tore the spoiler. The rock screen was undamaged. Anyway, I ordered a new spoiler and as I was working on it I noticed the rock screen was of a design that would let little air through. I estimate less than half the area is 'holes'. Over the years 4915 has run hotter than 16647 and I could never figure why. It could be the rock screen not allowing enough air through. What do you guys think? Even though the rock screen is as new I'm thinking of ordering a new one that is powder coated and according to the picture on DMCH's website it is a lot more open.

What do you guys think?

[Delorean Industries]

Air flow is very important and limted to begin with on a Delorean. More air flow can't hurt.

[Dangermouse]

Why not swap the existing rock screens between the two cars and see what happens?

Will the 83 now run hotter than the 81? If so, you know the reason.

[Chris4099]

A couple of things when comparing the temp between two Ds. First is the temp gauge isn't exactly a highly calibrated measuring device. The temps could actually be the same, but never know because of the gauges. Use a laser thermometer on the coolant pipe to verify one temp is actually higher then the other.

Another thing could be the thermostat. When I original had a tune up done, my temp was suddenly much higher. Turn out the mechanic installed the wrong thermostat which didn't open until 92c (stock opens at 87c). This can cause the cooling fans to turn on and stay on because the thermostat also closes too early leaving the hot coolant over outerstat switch.

[David T]

The screen is the inlet to a pressure duct that feeds the radiator. ANY obstruction can cause a LARGE decrease in airflow. For instance, some owners put the front license plate on the screen or they put the S/S plate upside down and block the air. Those cars run noticeably hotter.
David Teitelbaum

[Jacko]

I decided to get a new rock screen even though the existing screen was in good shape.

I looked in the log and I bought this screen in February, 1990. I don't know where I bought it ... probably still getting parts from D one then. I paid $135 for it compared to $55 for the new one from Houston. The photo comparing the two is telling. The new one on the right will obviously allow more air through to the radiator. Frankly, after seeing them side by side I don't see why the car didn't run hot all the time with the old screen.

8849

The new screen is probably 3 or 4 pounds lighter than the old one ... a lagniappe that.:Headspin::Headspin::Headspin:

[dmc6960]

You should find that your AC works much better now too.

[DMC5180]

I decided to get a new rock screen even though the existing screen was in good shape.

I looked in the log and I bought this screen in February, 1990. I don't know where I bought it ... probably still getting parts from D one then. I paid $135 for it compared to $55 for the new one from Houston. The photo comparing the two is telling. The new one on the right will obviously allow more air through to the radiator. Frankly, after seeing them side by side I don't see why the car didn't run hot all the time with the old screen.

8849

The new screen is probably 3 or 4 pounds lighter than the old one ... a lagniappe that.:Headspin::Headspin::Headspin:

I ran across some of those thick Expanded mesh Grills at KAPAC back in 96. Funny thing is that when I've mentioned it to folks In-the-know they said it was never done like that at the factory. This is conformation to me that they did indeed exist for a while.

FYI: In 2006 I hit a raccoon at 70 on the interstate. It ran into my lane (left) from the median about 50 ft. after crossing a bridge. I could not avoid it because of a Semi on my right. It was night time too. It took out my Spoiler, fan shroud, Washer Bottle bucket, and fluid pump.

[Jacko]

I ran across some of those thick Expanded mesh Grills at KAPAC back in 96. Funny thing is that when I've mentioned it to folks In-the-know they said it was never done like that at the factory. This is conformation to me that they did indeed exist for a while.

FYI: In 2006 I hit a raccoon at 70 on the interstate. It ran into my lane (left) from the median about 50 ft. after crossing a bridge. I could not avoid it because of a Semi on my right. It was night time too. It took out my Spoiler, fan shroud, Washer Bottle bucket, and fluid pump.Well, I got the new screen installed. You know, on these lovable little cars it seems the simplest of tasks can give you fits. I had forgotten about the damage to the shroud in the encounter with the cat in 1990. The shroud was essentially destroyed and it came out in pieces. A replacement shroud was unavailable so I had to retrieve the scraps and fiberglass them back together. And it was ok until the encounter with the parking curb. Putting the new screen and spoiler on while dealing with the misshaped shroud was a task.

I learned long ago the consequences of trying to avoid these small animals when they suddenly appear in front of you. This cat (black btw) made a move like a squirrel and stopped briefly before his lights went out ... all nine of 'em. I hated to run over it but you can't take evasive actions and make matters worse by having a wreck.

[rddmc]

When I bought 10921 in 2001, it had the extruded metal windscreen. I have never seen another one like it until I saw the picture of yours. I asked Warren at DMC about it and as I remember he said that it was a small run aftermarket edition. I never liked it because it was clearly not stock and I felt that it may inhibit air flow although I never had an overheating issue while running it. A couple of years ago DMC had a spring special which offered the windscreen at a discount and I bought and installed one. The replacement had no effect on the temperature gauge but I think it looks much better. One advantage that I see with the old one is that it is stronger and is less likely to be damaged by road debris.

I still have the old one which is in excellent shape, if anyone needs it I will let it go for $30 plus actual shipping cost.

Rod
10921

[Jacko]

I've revived this thread to report how 4915 reacted to the new 'open' rock screen. Although we have only reached the upper 80's here this year there is a dramatic difference. She is running much cooler than before. Previously, with the other screen, the temp gauge was always just a hair above the first tick ... even on mild days. Now she runs a hair below said tick and I am tickled ... couldn't resist, sorry.

I would advise anyone running the heavier screen to get rid of it. It could be a contributor to your overheating problem.

[Tillsy]

Thanks for the update Jacko, think I'll add #101628 to my shopping list :)