Heat - BRP (response) - Spyderpops & Swoop holes
As many already know, radiator heat(the blow torch)is an issue I follow very closely. Last year(pre 2013) I had the following conversation with BRP.
Email to BRP customer service Oct. 2012
(Note: No pics provided in this post, but were provided to BRP)
Louise, First I would like to thank you for taking the time to contact me.
After spending time doing further research for this communication. It appears people in * Florida, Texas, Arizona, & California have experimented with blocking both upper and lower right radiator vent holes, and have drilled or cut holes in the plastic "swoop" panel aft of the fan. In what I will call the fan box. From what I read, doing this has for the most part eliminated the right side "hot foot" problem and has not caused any noticeable engine operating temperature issues.
* temps in these states range from the nineties to 120 degrees for months on end.
The following (1 & 2) are statements from a couple of RT owners who have done vent blocking and swoop modifications in an attempt to eliminate the "hot foot" problem.
(1) I trimmed out a lot of the 'swoop' about a year ago when I added the top vent block from Spyderpops and still had loads of hot air coming out the bottom hole by my foot. So at Spyderfest, I got the full treatment and blocked off the lower vent too. Results, NO more hot foot.
His foot note. I still get heat around the glove box, simply because the engine is hot. I'd love to find a way to 'train' it downward and out, but there's the crazy thermodynamics thing to contend with. I think it would be great for some aero-minded person to model the Spyder air flow and see what we can do to the under airflow to cause more suction to 'pull' the air down and out.
(2) Blocking both right side vents. I've been trying to resolve the right side heat problem on my RT Limited. I've already installed the Spyderpops top blocking plate and removed the bottom splash plate. Then before going on my road trip last weekend I cut a large oval shaped opening in the inner panel behind the radiator fan (swoop area) and made a temporary blocking plate with some aluminum flashing to close the lower vent as well. This worked great! With the new blocking plate(s) almost all of the heat is channeled under the bike and out the back. I'm no longer getting heat up around the seat and the "hot foot" syndrome is gone. The bike temperature stayed in the normal range when it hit 90º and was way down low when it was only 65º.
I was able to have my feet on the riders footrest without any heat issues during the 400 mile trip. Now I need to come up with a more permanent solution for the aluminum flashing. EDIT: Looks like the Spyderpops lower blocking plate along with the upper will be the permanent solution. I just placed the order.
I have attached photos that depict holes being drilled and or cut (with a hot knife) in the "swoop panel".
It appears the two examples noted have found this modification to be satisfactory. My question is. Does BRP agree they are reasonable and acceptable solutions to the problem many of us have? Warranty in mind.
In addition:
The following is a note from SpyderPops. Dated June 6, 2012.
The lower block off plate by SPYDERPOPS is advertised to be used alone and not with the upper block off plate because we are still testing the results of both.
We do in fact have several RT's in various parts of the country running both and have discovered that in fact, holes have to be cut into the air duct/chute(swoop) from the bottom. Without cutting the holes there is not enough air flow and it can heat up the upper panel. In very hot areas with high humidity the temps of the coolant will raise to the high range, but as soon as the holes are cut into the air duct/chute(swoop) the temps go back to normal.
If you decide to do this yourself it is your decision as WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING this procedure at this time and will post our results after we have determined proper results.
Harvey
To date, Harvey has not reported final test results. As far as I know.
Aside from the two examples, there is *one picture that depicts the top vent being partially blocked while the lower vent is completely blocked. The reason I have included it is I'm wondering if not completely blocking off the top vent would help relieve any back pressure thus allowing the hot air to flow out the 'swoop holes even better?
Thanks for your help and if none of this seems acceptable. I certainly hope we can continue to work together towards a solution. The problem is real, and many of us would appreciate your help.
Apologize for this mail being as long as it is but, I hope too, that it demonstrates how important the issues is.
Thanks again
Jerry
BRP Response Oct. 2012
October 9, 2012
Official word from BRP tech as related to me in a telephone conversation today with Louise of BRP customer service.
Based on the information and pictures submitted with both upper and lower vent block off plates installed and with the addition of swoop holes either drilled or cut for sufficient heat venting. The impression of the tech she worked with was the modification should not create a heat problem with the RT. (I say RT, because my submission was RT specific.) While his impression is it should not cause any heat problems. If done, it will be our decision to do so. Warranty wise. That said, she also stated if a dealer felt the modification was the cause of a specific problem. It would be up to the dealer to prove it in order to deny a warranty claim.
She also said she will be forwarding a folder with the information provided and the tech's input, to the tech department, and (I think she said) engineering too. Sorry about the fog of memory as to specifics there.
Just a thought - I find it interesting that she specifically stated it would be up to the dealer to prove cause. Not BRP.
Note: I have none of BRP's response in writting. It is all based on verbal communication back and forth with BRP customer service. So, this post is for information purposes only.
Jer
JMHO
ATGATT
