TyPope
Well-known member
- First Name
- Ty
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2020
- Threads
- 20
- Messages
- 1,669
- Reaction score
- 2,803
- Location
- Chesapeake Beach, MD
- Vehicles
- '23 MYLR, '23 Mavrick Hybrid, '24? Cyberbeast
- Occupation
- Current Operations for... an organization
Running the AC would actually make the engine work harder and thus get hotter because it has to turn the now-energized freon compressor and vent fan. Now, had you run the heat, it would have dissipated that heat into the cab but, with the top down, it would have been at least bearable. The engine wouldn't have to turn an energized compressor but rather simply open a valve and let the water pump push the hot water through the heat exchanger where the fan would blow air over it in effect cooling the engine coolant.When I drove my Miata in the 100°+ heat, over 80MPH, with the top down and A/C on, the engine temp gauge would slowly rise towards the red. It was more than the cooling system could handle.
Amazingly, I could circumvent the problem by turning on my headlights. The pop-up "bugeye" lights acted as air scoops, and cooled the engine compartment enough to make up the difference!
"Yeah, but how would you know?"
I had a 1965 Mustang with a 351 Windsor crammed under the hood. This was in 1986. It liked to overheat in Georgia but running the heater, you could watch the temperature needle go down. That sucker just could not keep its cool.
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