Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How much radiator do you block off in winter?

[Royk]

I've fashioned a winter front for my grill (aluminum flashing fitted behind the grill). Still, according to my temp gauge, I rarely get over 165-170 degrees. Should I block off more? It seems there is still a lot of room between grill and bumper as well as the openings in the bumper. Temps have ranged from about 5 to 25 degrees here lately.



-Roy

 

[Shovelhead]

I've been using Eric's winter fronts.

The do a good job and look good too.

As far as needing additional "blocking", I also use a piece of cardboard cut to size to fit in the cavity between the radiator and the charge air cooler. But remember to cut a 5-6" hole in the center so the fan clutch can get cool enough to keep it from engaging.

Others just remove the fan for the winter.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Roy,



I'd say your thermostat isn't working right. You should be seeing higher temps than that - even in the temperatures you mentioned. Mine always gets into the 190 range - even in way below zero temps. The first year I had my truck I made a cardboard piece to put in front of the radiator - with a hole cut out of the middle for the fan. I thought I would need it when I drove to SD for Christmas that year. But even with temps in the 10-15 below zero range on the interstate, my truck stayed nice and warm. So I never used the cardboard. I've never had a problem with being too cold. Some guys like to block the radiator to get the temps up faster on cold mornings, but other than that, you shouldn't need it with a 24 valve.

Dave

 

[Royk]

Yeah, the gauge is normally pegged dead center. Its just since it got cold its running low. You think maybe the thermostat is stuck open, sending coolant to the radiator all the time? Truck only has 20K on it.



-Roy

 

[Fireman Dave]

Could be, Roy. I've heard of thermostats crapping out at low mileage before. I'd start there, because your temps seem way out of whack for the relatively "mild" ambient temps you mentioned.



Dave

 

[Adam]

Block the whole thing

Roy,



While it's been colder down there than up here this year , I still run a winterfront anytime the temps drop below 30 for extended periods of time. I'm using a piece of vinyl that's attached with snaps to the outside of the upper radiator support and pulled tight with bungee cords that attach to the frame. In this manner, I block off everything except a small 3" x 3" square behind the passenger fog light. It's been my experience the little plastic shields that clip into the grill don't do very much during really cold weather. My '99 would frequently drop temperature in cold weather, but with enough drive time, (20 minutes) would open the thermostat around 180, and then drop down to the 150-165 range where it would stay until I shut it off and started again the next day. Keep in mind this was during -30 and colder ambient temps. My '02 doesn't seem to be affected by cold weather nearly as much, as the thermostat initially opens around 195, and the temp cycles between 180-190. Haven't had really cold temps here yet, but I expect this truck to run considerably warmer than my '99 did. If I were you, I'd block the entire thing off and see what happens.

-Adam

 

[bighammer]

If your thermostat is functioning, a pattern of temps building up slowly to ~190* then dropping fast should repeat itself over and over. If it never gets that hot, I'd say it's stuck open like Dave said.



I use duct tape on the front of the grill openings (neatly trimmed to shape) and remove my fan. Quieter operation, faster warmup, and less cycling of temps.

 

[JCyrbok]

winterfronts

I block the four grill cut outs with my fronts. I leave the two cut outs inthe bumper/air damb open. I think the sevice manuel says to leave an area of aprox 10 % of the air flow space open. I think im prob more like 25%.



I have seen colder outside temps ( down to -2 somenights) and my temp gauge will usually hit 190 during my 15 min drive home from work. Id look at the thermostate or the temp sensor in your truck for the cause of your low temps. BTW how long do u drive to get your temps to the 165 range?

J-

 

[Devildog]

<--------- I don't block any off...

 

[Ncostello]

What happens if your in traffic moving slow and you dont have a fan at all. Do you leave the grille open then... or cover it and remove the fan. I suppose you could keep the fan in the truck in case of a sudden warm up in the weather. Its pretty cold here in IN and 10's-20's are becoming common at night when I drive. I'd just hate to not have the fan and overheat it.

 

[PLaFrombois]

Roy, I'd have someone ride with you to watch the temp gauge and see if the thermostat opens. My thermostat went bad at 24,000 miles, it had a bad valve spring. Fortunately for me, I replaced it when it was 70 degrees out, not 10 degrees.

Just think 6 months till summer

Paul

 

[Royk]

Should I call the dealer to check it or just go ahead and replace it myself?



How tough and how long does it take to remove the fan? I'm not crazy about doing engine work when its 10 degrees outside.

BTW how long do u drive to get your temps to the 165 range?

I'm not sure. I do know I traveled 38 miles/45 minutes one chilly morning and the temp never came up to normal. Or if it did, it didn't stay there for long. I seem to see it hit about 180 once in a while for very brief periods (like pounding up a 7. 5% grade at 75 mph) then it drops right back to 165-170.



I have the plow on right now and forgot to watch the temp on my way into work this morning. I'll have to check it on my way home this afternoon.



-Roy

 

[Shovelhead]

FWIW... my '99 never seemed to warm up without blocking airflow.

Suspected defective/malfunctioning thermostat, replaced same with part from Cummins (180*), same results.

 

[bighammer]

I removed my fan in about a minute. I have a flat steel bar about 12 or 14 inches long that I use to transmit some hammer blows (6 or 8) to the corner of the nut. (driver's side-- It's a left hand thread) Channel locks got it turning then and it spun right off.

 

[THancock]

I'm with you Devildog, although it get's a bit colder here than in Fla. , I've never blocked the front of any diesel truck I've ever owned. Never had any problems before so I figure if it aint broke don't fix it. If they needed to be blocked DC should give ya the winter front with the truck. Since they don't, it must not need it.

 

[tcourse]

Shovelhead

My 98. 5 is slow to warm up also. Have never seen over about 170 on the gauge. Do you think the early 24v's just run cooler. I'm running DD3's also.

I replace the bad stat and it warms up faster but but not much.

I live in the Seattle area, so the temps are usually above freezing, even at night. My truck runs cool even in the heat of summer. Only towed about 4000lbs.



TC

 

[Sregorb]

THancock-

Just like DC gave you your K&N, Edge EZ, Pyro and Boost, Rhino, Everything filled with Amzoil?







Brian

 

[EricBu12]

I make the winter fronts decribed above. I put all 4 on when it is lower than 50 deg. It goes up to 190 , opens and goes down to 180 or so and stays there. even when down to really cold like 0 deg. My ad is in the classifieds under the member basment area.