Rotoflex in the cold??

[nomad]

Just curious but am wondering if Rotoflex donuts had a higher rate of failure in really cold weather. I would think they would have.

Kurt
26/3754

[StressCraxx]

It's a non issue. I have driven my elan in -8C weather when I lived in Colorado. I was uncomfortable until the heater warmed up, but my Elan took several long trips and some commutes without any issue at all.

[saildrive2001]

I used my Elan for four years when I came to Ontario, Canada & had no noticeable problems with the donuts in temp to -30C. I did have to block off the nose of the car almost completely to get the engine up to temp.

[nomad]

Well then if we could get a stainless steel chassis they would make a great modern winter car!

Kurt

[saildrive2001]

You can get a galvanized chassis, shouldn't rust. Narrow tyres are good in the snow & 50/50 weight distribution is also a bonus. I only ever got stuck once & that was when the snow was deeper than the ground clearance & the car was lifted up enough that I had no load on the wheels.

[Andy8421]

Just curious but am wondering if Rotoflex donuts had a higher rate of failure in really cold weather. I would think they would have.

Kurt
26/3754

The rotoflex warm up when they are running due to hysteresis in the rubber. I did read that the failure rate of the inboard coupling is higher than the outboard coupling - it was suggested that the inner coupling ran at a higher temperature because of the hot air from the rad / exhaust / engine that gets blown along the middle of the frame past the gearbox when the car is being driven.

As a result, it is possible that the rotoflex may have a lower rate of failure in cold weather.