just installed dodge winter front. now what?

[tobaccogrower]

the paperwork that came with the front advised to check my user manual on using the winter front. i cant find mine so i figured i'd ask you guys. how do i run this thing? i thought i read somwhere the flaps have to be open or the fan clutch will overheat? is this true? can i close it up tight if it's 15* or colder? thanks... . james

 

[RRees]

I've only closed 3 of the 4 flaps so far this winter. I live in Iowa, the coldest weather we've had so far this year is around -8F and that was only for a few evenings.



My commute is only about 12 miles one way. With two flaps open and block heater used overnight, the engine temp still doesn't get above 190F or so.



Note: this is my first winter with a diesel, so it's a learning experience for me.

 

[pwr2tow]

I got some free vinyl and made my own winter front that covered everything except where the air goes in for the air filter. I put a 4" hole in the center and made a flap for when it warmed up.

It was -20* outside with a 25 MPH wind and figured this would be a good test so I put it on and took the truck for a drive. The truck did not warm up any faster than normal ( about 8-10 miles ) so after a couple of shut downs and town driving and 150 miles later I took it off.

 

[JLovas]

On my Mopar winter front, I keep all four flaps open basically all the time. The only time I close them up is if its -20F or colder AND I'm letting my pickup just sit and idle for a couple hours. When these pickups are idleing, the coolent temp tends to drop pretty quickly, so that's when I close it up tight. But even when driving in those cold of temperatures, I open all four flaps, otherwise I notice that my fan has to engage and the temp runs a little over 200F.



There's no doubt that these engines take a long time to warm up, and I think that's mainly because of the large cooling system capacity, not for a lack of a winter front. Although I must say that I like my winter front because it helps to keep coolant temps higher when idleing during cold weather.

 

[bmoeller]

The main concern with a winter front, you should have a pyrometer to watch the exhaust temps. Reduced air flow through the intercooler increases the intake air temps. I have cardboard zip tied behind my grill, and I only blocked 2/3rds of the opening. The EGTs are about 100-150* higher.



Probably not a real issue empty, but could be towing heavy.

 

[BrentKaiser]

I only close all four flaps when it gets -10 below or colder. Your main concern is EGT's. I always take mine off if I am going to tow, no matter what the temp outside.