Cold WX Grill Covers

[Hollywud]

Hello!



Was wondering if someone could fill me in on the philosophy of using cold weather grill covers. More specifically, I curious to know when you should and shouldn't cover the grill inlet.



TIA

 

[jandtjil]

I can't speak for all, but having a fairly short commute to work (8 miles or so). Even with temps in the upper 30s and mid 40s during the day here, my eng rarely gets fully up to temp by the time I am ready to shut down(without a cold front). By blocking a bit of air flow, I definitely am seeing the engine come up to temp now. Yet during extended drives it doesn't seem to cause it to go "Chernobyle", thanks to a more than adequate cooling system and by only blocking part of the grill.

I have read some threads that warn of partially blocking air flow directly in front of the radiator (cardboard) as it causes the fan blades to flex as they pass through areas of different air flow.



JJ

 

[RBrunson]

Fan

I just remove my fan every fall and run without it till towing season in the late spring. Warms up quicker and I don't have to listen to the loud cycling of the fan. Been doing it for the last three winters with no problem.

 

[Mniver]

I have a set that TDR mbr Eric Buckel sell's and I have been using them for the past two years. I only block off the upper half of the grill and have had no problems with using them. It takes 10-15 mi just to get the truck up into operating range and it still stay's about 180-190. It's the only way to get any heat outa the engine these day's.

 

[Hollywud]

Thanks for all the replies!



I think I have the answer I was looking for... . no need to cover your grill, unless your engine isn't reaching normal operating temps.



Just another data point... I travel throughout New England and have never had a problem with my truck reaching normal temps with the grill uncovered. All my driving is 20 minute drive times or more... with a few exceptions, of course.



Truck will remain uncovered,



jon

 

[baby.driver]

I have the Lund covers, all six.

I cut one of the upper ones in two, one maybe two times larger than the other.

Just returned yesterday from a trip to Coeur d'Alene,ID. Everett,WA. and back.

Going North ( grill never in the sun) I kept ALL of the inserts in place and the gauge went over 190* only at the top of long grades and the t-stat would only do that bounce routine after sitting at idle, the rest of the time resting steady at 175-180*.

Coming South, ran with only the smaller of the two-piece out until Kettleman City where I took out the other half panel.

This is at an average of 70 mph with our 4500 lb, 5th wheel.

Putting them in and out is a PITA, but I prefer looking at a steady temp gauge.

Given my druthers I'd rather have louvers like the 18 wheelers of old that I could manually operate.

And on that note I saw a 1959 KW conv. /sleeper up by Sac. /Stockton that was pretty sharp meester! Still on the job!

 

[Mad Max]

I tried the Lunds on my 01. 5 sport and the marginal plastic of the honey comb grill fatigued and cracked in one place.



I finally tossed the lund and got a Gettman Cold Front, Great product AND A BARGAIN compared to the lund.



Here's Her info.



MaryAnn Gettmann

(805) 239-4700



Hope this helps.



Good Luck



MAX

 

[JohnE]

I use Eric Buckel's cold fronts AND remove the fan.

Thgat combinationworks very well for me. It holds the thermostats from cycling all over the place, faster warm up & less noise.

If you remove the fan, take care to not run the A/C or (if you are 94-97) disable the circuit.



The Cummins rule of thumb is to allow at least 1 ft² of airflow thorugh the intercooler.

 

[amsoilman]

I have the "Winter Gaurds" that are sold by Eric Buclel. They do work nice and are very inexpensive.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[EricBu12]

Hey thanks for all the WOM adv. guys!

Glad to see all of you like them.



On the note of airflow, this when on, has enough airflow to keep the engine at normal all the way up to 65 deg outside.

I use all 4 panels on mine as soon as the temps get below 60 for an average. there is no extra flex of fan and the engine warms up fast. in the above stated 8 miles by another, my truck would get up to 190 no problem...

ad for my winter guards is in the classifieds under member basement enterprises.

 

[rwitt]

Eric,

I'm using your winter guards on my truck and have definately noticed a quicker warm up with less t-stat cycling. I only have about a 5 mile drive to work and it sure helps getting the engine up to temp.

Rich