Maintainability and Accessibility of Range Extender

[blmtnc]

“pretty easy” is a relative term. I wouldn’t have the knowledge and experience, but a skilled mechanic will probably already have the tools on hand. I doubt there will be an engine drop mode (hydraulics that lower the engine), something like that is another point of chronic failure.

Changing filters and oil could probably be done in the driveway, if not, people will riot. Scout is on record in multiple sources stating 80% of the trucks can be serviced by the end user.

Agreed on a system like that being probably too complex for the benefit, and for oil and filter changes (and anything else on the service schedule) which I'm assuming (hoping) wouldn't be necessary.

But what about repairs requiring access to the cylinder head. What if I need to change an ignition coil pack? There should be an removable access panel in the floor of the bed/trunk allowing that without the need to drop the engine. I'd go further and say there should be an engineering requirement that the only time the engine should have to be dropped is when the engine in a front engine vehicle with an conventional hood would need to be removed for the same procedure.
Because they've decided to put the engine in the rear and under the vehicle shouldn't impose additional requirements on whoever is working on it, whether end consumer, mechanic, etc.

Going back to my earlier comment if dropping this engine is needed more often than for a conventional arrangement it will need to be automated and "idiot proof" if consumers have to do it. But to me the best solution is not having that requirement to begin with.

 

[NukeDukem]

The old VW buses didn't get that hot...

They had large vents to exhaust the heat through convection. I don’t imagine this one will be air cooled.

 

[ToadB]

On my Diahatsu Hijet there is an access panel in the bed to the engine and also the front seats lift to access other parts of the engine bay. As already stated Toyota and the vans with the motor behind the front wheels had access from inside. Full size vans you have to pull the "doghouse" to access parts of the engine.

There are several methods of packaging/access that companies have. I am sure they will have a creative solution.

 

[Goose]

Agreed on a system like that being probably too complex for the benefit, and for oil and filter changes (and anything else on the service schedule) which I'm assuming (hoping) wouldn't be necessary.

But what about repairs requiring access to the cylinder head. What if I need to change an ignition coil pack? There should be an removable access panel in the floor of the bed/trunk allowing that without the need to drop the engine. I'd go further and say there should be an engineering requirement that the only time the engine should have to be dropped is when the engine in a front engine vehicle with an conventional hood would need to be removed for the same procedure.
Because they've decided to put the engine in the rear and under the vehicle shouldn't impose additional requirements on whoever is working on it, whether end consumer, mechanic, etc.

Going back to my earlier comment if dropping this engine is needed more often than for a conventional arrangement it will need to be automated and "idiot proof" if consumers have to do it. But to me the best solution is not having that requirement to begin with.

If Scout is smart, and I believe they are, they will package this motor in a way that it could be lowered in a single unit. Simply undo some bolts with dampers, and lower it on a hydraulic lift. I'm betting they are going to package this unit not too dissimilar from a generic generator. In the Scouts they will just be connected to some extra wiring and an external fuel tank. Again, I doubt dropping the motor will be for anything but the most in-depth repair.

Think about it this way, why would they make 4 different frames for one 2 vehicles (BEV and REX)? They are going to be able to assemble these on the same lines, and time is money.

 

[NukeDukem]

If Scout is smart, and I believe they are, they will package this motor in a way that it could be lowered in a single unit. Simply undo some bolts with dampers, and lower it on a hydraulic lift. I'm betting they are going to package this unit not too dissimilar from a generic generator. In the Scouts they will just be connected to some extra wiring and an external fuel tank. Again, I doubt dropping the motor will be for anything but the most in-depth repair.

Think about it this way, why would they make 4 different frames for one 2 vehicles (BEV and REX)? They are going to be able to assemble these on the same lines, and time is money.

I would say Scout is thinking along the sames lines as you.

 

[maynard]

They had large vents to exhaust the heat through convection. I don’t imagine this one will be air cooled.

True