Is there a cold temp limit on superchargers?

JetBlack · 01-17-2007

As it has been really cold here recently and gets that way about once a year (below zero F), I was wondering if there is any concern about superchargers.

Especially if you ran the car for a while and then let it begin to cool. It cools from the outside in, shrinking the case of the supercharger before the rotors. Seems like if you timed it right, you could start the car with rotors that are "squished" tight in the case.

We have had problems like that with stainless ball valves, at work, that were left in a hot tank of liquid, then cooled in cool water. The case cools, denting the inside of the case, around the ball. Forever more, the valve leaks.

Mick · 01-17-2007

Good question JetBlack I have been wondering about this for a while now, lets wait to here from our experts.

tw0scoops123 · 01-17-2007

You're better off emailing whoever built your S/C and ask themfor a definative answer on that. But I think since there are no warnings for Shelby's and Cobra's, you're fine.

Mick · 01-17-2007

My car is in an unheated garage but it is attached to the house. It was 19 degrees last night I took it out for a spin I had not used it for about a week. Car seemed okay to me the s/c was a little noiser than usual for a while but was no big deal. I only used it because it finally stopped raining and it was not snowing yet. Once the snow starts we are done. And yes V it was dusted before and after. Must keep the code of ethics.

travelers · 01-17-2007

There should be no problems. I used to work on trucks and the Detroits engins have blowers on them and there was no warning on them. Cummings used turbo and later Detroits used turbos and blowers and they are used in the deep freeze countries. I now work on aircraft engins which have a lot tighter clearance and i've been in Fairbanks when its -40. But the best advice is always call the manufacture.

cekim · 01-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelers

There should be no problems. I used to work on trucks and the Detroits engins have blowers on them and there was no warning on them. Cummings used turbo and later Detroits used turbos and blowers and they are used in the deep freeze countries. I now work on aircraft engins which have a lot tighter clearance and i've been in Fairbanks when its -40. But the best advice is always call the manufacture.

One of the Centrifugal blowers now comes with an advisory on this - I forget which one... The right answer is as stated, contact your manufacturer and ask...

Mick · 01-24-2007

Saleen finally got back to me on their S/C.
On the 2007 Saleen Extreem the intercooler has 80% water and 20% cooloant.
The radiator has 50% water and 50% coolant.
They do not recomend driving in harsh cold conditions.
There were no number limits from them just the above statment. There was no mention on any other years. I did only ask about the 2007 model year.

cekim · 01-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick

Saleen finally got back to me on their S/C.
On the 2007 Saleen Extreem the intercooler has 80% water and 20% cooloant.
The radiator has 50% water and 50% coolant.
They do not recomend driving in harsh cold conditions.
There were no number limits from them just the above statment. There was no mention on any other years. I did only ask about the 2007 model year.

Thanks for the report - I intentionally fudged the 80/20 in prep for winter up here (more like 60/40) ...

I wouldn't reccomend driving in "harsh conditions" either, but that is a bit of a cop-out