What should I check before I go up MT Washington
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Probably just cooling system. Other than that, fresh oil, good brakes and tires, not much else you can check.
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
And when the air is thin the radiator has fewer air molecules moving past the surfaces used to exchange heat, so a marginal cooling system may not cool enough when the air is thin.
And when the air is thin the radiator has fewer air molecules moving past the surfaces used to exchange heat, so a marginal cooling system may not cool enough when the air is thin.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
Thin air means you can use LOWER octane fuel. Since the external air pressure is lower than sea level, the pressure in the cylinder after compression is also lower and therefore cooler, so less chance of detonation.
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
Thin air means you can use LOWER octane fuel. Since the external air pressure is lower than sea level, the pressure in the cylinder after compression is also lower and therefore cooler, so less chance of detonation.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
And when the air is thin the radiator has fewer air molecules moving past the surfaces used to exchange heat, so a marginal cooling system may not cool enough when the air is thin.
NOrmally, high altitude gas is LOWER in octane. It is not needed with thin air. A turbocharged vehicle's need should remain the same.
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
And when the air is thin the radiator has fewer air molecules moving past the surfaces used to exchange heat, so a marginal cooling system may not cool enough when the air is thin.
NOrmally, high altitude gas is LOWER in octane. It is not needed with thin air. A turbocharged vehicle's need should remain the same.
The air gets cooler up at the summit. Bring a windbreaker at least even mid summer. This will help with potential overheating too. Just make sure your radiator fan comes on; if you never get stuck in traffic in Vermont the motor bearings might freeze up over the winter.
They pretty much make you drive down in first gear, if not by their rules, by the lap traffic. Cars with no manual first (like automatic saturn s series) are banned! If your passengers don't like hairpin turns, get them some Dramamine.
They pretty much make you drive down in first gear, if not by their rules, by the lap traffic. Cars with no manual first (like automatic saturn s series) are banned! If your passengers don't like hairpin turns, get them some Dramamine.
Hiked it several times, never driven a car up it...
But, I would want a strong cooling system (including electric fan) going up and good brakes going down.
You'll be going slow up and down...way slow...
You must stay in 1st on the way down...no brake system could take the constant heating of that road...
And at roughly 6,000 feet, there is not a huge difference in air density...if the car would do OK in Denver, it will do OK at the altitudes of Mount Washington. The real issue is grade: it's steep going up and steep coming down...
But, I would want a strong cooling system (including electric fan) going up and good brakes going down.
You'll be going slow up and down...way slow...
You must stay in 1st on the way down...no brake system could take the constant heating of that road...
And at roughly 6,000 feet, there is not a huge difference in air density...if the car would do OK in Denver, it will do OK at the altitudes of Mount Washington. The real issue is grade: it's steep going up and steep coming down...
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6,288ft but feels much, much higher. Originally a MASShole and use to make the 6 hour treck from my home to pinkham Notch 12 times a year usually between Nov (Ice season in Tucks) and May.
Your car will be fine as long as your brakes are good. There are a few turn offs to cool down if you need to. Toward the top on the right is Mt. Jefferson. My fav winter Mt. Don't be afraid to take a hike to it's summit. It not that far, just crossing a col thats called Mt Clay.
Enjoy my friend! If you get a clear day you can see to the ocean.
Your car will be fine as long as your brakes are good. There are a few turn offs to cool down if you need to. Toward the top on the right is Mt. Jefferson. My fav winter Mt. Don't be afraid to take a hike to it's summit. It not that far, just crossing a col thats called Mt Clay.
Enjoy my friend! If you get a clear day you can see to the ocean.
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
Thin air means you can use LOWER octane fuel. Since the external air pressure is lower than sea level, the pressure in the cylinder after compression is also lower and therefore cooler, so less chance of detonation.
I agree! alot of people dont get the octane thing. Not saying OP does or doesnt but up there you could also have the potential to run a hair rich compared to were you are so thats another point for cooler running. Rich=cooler lean=hotter
Id say Check oil level and for huge just started leaks and make sure tire pressure is perfect=better fuel mileage, and just dont rag on your car. Ive figured out problems or created them after doing 100 on the highway instead of short tripping around town for years. Not saying it will happen but it seems to with my bad luck.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Would high octane gas in the tank help the engine run smother with thin air?
Thin air means you can use LOWER octane fuel. Since the external air pressure is lower than sea level, the pressure in the cylinder after compression is also lower and therefore cooler, so less chance of detonation.
I agree! alot of people dont get the octane thing. Not saying OP does or doesnt but up there you could also have the potential to run a hair rich compared to were you are so thats another point for cooler running. Rich=cooler lean=hotter
Id say Check oil level and for huge just started leaks and make sure tire pressure is perfect=better fuel mileage, and just dont rag on your car. Ive figured out problems or created them after doing 100 on the highway instead of short tripping around town for years. Not saying it will happen but it seems to with my bad luck.
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