Sagaris - retaining oil temperature
Discussion
It seems to me that the design of the dry sump system is a bit flawed in its current form. The oil reservoir sits uninsulated in airflow and acts as a crude oil cooler.
Would it be feasible to insulate it and have a separate oil cooler somewhere in the airflow? A proper oil cooler has a thermostat which only cools the oil when it's hot enough and would presumably mean the Sagaris would come up to temperature quicker and retain its temperature for longer.
What does everyone else think?
Would it be feasible to insulate it and have a separate oil cooler somewhere in the airflow? A proper oil cooler has a thermostat which only cools the oil when it's hot enough and would presumably mean the Sagaris would come up to temperature quicker and retain its temperature for longer.
What does everyone else think?
I'm no engineer but would have to say if it could be accomplished then it would certainly improve the appeal of the car. I probably use my Sag less currently than I might do if the whole warming up exercise could be somehow accelerated. Unless I have a 30 mile+ journey then I tend to opt for another car, which, as my daily commute is only 15 miles, inevitably means that it is reserved for special occasions and planned trips.
My V8 Vantage has a dry sump and yet it's relatively no time before I can give it the beans. The AM dealer even went so far as to say no need to warm it up at all. Haven't quite bought into that one fully, but it's only a couple of miles before everything is smooth and ticking nicely enough to start to open it up.
A startling contrast to the TVR, which I am careful to the point of paranoia from pressing until I see 70 degrees on the Oil temp.
My V8 Vantage has a dry sump and yet it's relatively no time before I can give it the beans. The AM dealer even went so far as to say no need to warm it up at all. Haven't quite bought into that one fully, but it's only a couple of miles before everything is smooth and ticking nicely enough to start to open it up.
A startling contrast to the TVR, which I am careful to the point of paranoia from pressing until I see 70 degrees on the Oil temp.
Yup - right with you there. 
a search of the forums may provide some links.KillerJim said:
What solutions are there except to have a more advanced oil management system?
As I mentioned, insulating the reservoir so that it no longer acts as an oil cooler and then having a proper oil cooler that only cools when it is required (which all the good ones do) would go a long way to alleviating the problem.KillerJim said:
I've often wondered could you put a heating element within the dry sump tank to aid warm-up...
Funny you should say that, but I heard from a little bird that Racing Green may be working on just such a solution. It would only be appropriate for owners whose cars are kept near a mains power source though, as obviously the oil would need to be electrically pre-heated.KillerJim said:
I've often wondered could you put a heating element within the dry sump tank to aid warm-up...
Funny you should say that, but I heard from a little bird that Racing Green may be working on just such a solution. It would only be appropriate for owners whose cars are kept near a mains power source though, as obviously the oil would need to be electrically pre-heated.As an aside, Jon, I assume that's your Sag at RG at the mo. Nice looking motor, you picked it up the same weekend I test drove mine for the 1st time. What's it in for? Nothing serious I hope.
One - or more - electric 'frost protection' heaters under the car do make some noticeable difference and warm components as well as oil.
Much more would be achieved by a heater for the oil tank and/or the engine itself - I would think that could probably best be done via the water system, like some systems designed for Nordic countries.
Much more would be achieved by a heater for the oil tank and/or the engine itself - I would think that could probably best be done via the water system, like some systems designed for Nordic countries.
Hoolio said:
As an aside, Jon, I assume that's your Sag at RG at the mo. Nice looking motor, you picked it up the same weekend I test drove mine for the 1st time. What's it in for? Nothing serious I hope.
Yes, it is indeed in residence at RG at the moment, and sadly it is very poorly. 
JonRB said:
Hoolio said:
As an aside, Jon, I assume that's your Sag at RG at the mo. Nice looking motor, you picked it up the same weekend I test drove mine for the 1st time. What's it in for? Nothing serious I hope.
Yes, it is indeed in residence at RG at the moment, and sadly it is very poorly. JonRB said:
Hoolio said:
As an aside, Jon, I assume that's your Sag at RG at the mo. Nice looking motor, you picked it up the same weekend I test drove mine for the 1st time. What's it in for? Nothing serious I hope.
Yes, it is indeed in residence at RG at the moment, and sadly it is very poorly. How long did the car sit around at a dealers before you bought it?
Any chance the previous owner might have smelled problems and moved it on?
Hope its alive and kicking soon - spring is here!
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