Bacho86 (29th January 2017)
AB (29th January 2017)
I have positioned all my fridge magnets to ensure the planets are aligned with the Caledonia River track, so you should be ok!
Back from trip, this time without mechanical or electrical issue. Travelling with another patrol, owner got nervous about approaching wet weather, threw a spaz, so we pulled out of the area 2 days early, no happy. Anyway, weather was hot, mid 35's and sunny, tracks are cut up and not suitable for highway tyres or low hung vehicles. Plenty of challenges but it wet would be difficult and a handful.
Caledonia river valley empty when we got there and didn't see anyone else. Campsites all clean and clear of rubbish. Water was warm, measured 25 C, but flow is down.
Butcher country link track is cut up badly and would be difficult without mud tyres and high clearance. Many long uphill sections at high revs and low speed, radiator temp hit 100C at the top of one climb, but mostly sat at 75C on and 63c off, so happy with cooling capacity.
Butcher country valley also deserted, had a campsite on the river and spent the day drinking beer in a spa bath rock formation. Water temp 28 C.
Track out of valley to main road is steep, cut up, rutted and not recommended for low clearance vehicles or road tyres. It's a clay topped track and would be a nightmare if wet. Number of spots I had a wheel in the air and or bellied up due to the condition of the track, and that's on the uphill steep sections.
River was low, deepest crossing 750mm but most below hubs. Valley still has heaps of firewood but we refrained from fires because the area is tinder dry.
Waiting for some photos from the other guy, I am slack and don't take any, so will post later. Great little part of the world.
AB (12th February 2017), Bacho86 (12th February 2017), Hodge (12th February 2017), jay see (12th February 2017), MB (12th February 2017), MudRunnerTD (12th February 2017), mudski (12th February 2017), NissanGQ4.2 (12th February 2017), Sir Roofy (12th February 2017), threedogs (12th February 2017)
You gotta be happy with max 100C on the new Chev in 35C hot hill climbing Phil, reckon that's as good as they'll ever get mate!!
I monitor temps into and out of the radiator. The max climb temp was 98C into radiator and 86C out of radiator. It hit 100C into radiator after i was sitting on the top of the longest climb waiting for the out guy to arrive, so 5 minutes heat soak . temps then dropped pretty quickly to 75-78 into rad and 63-65C out of radiator, once moving again so yes i am happy. Vehicle probably loaded to 3300kg at a guess. I have the radiator area totally clear of everything except the grill. Aircon was not on though.
MB (12th February 2017)
That's gold mate, with those numbers reckon even with the aircon on you'd be lucky to hit 105C which is no real drama for a Chev under those conditions so happy days!!