More Boost Pressure by Cleaning out the intercooler..

[dieselburner]

I just finished pressure washing my radiator by spraying all the bugs and debris backwards and I got a lot of stuff out. I also cleaned the intercooler and the other coils. I took it for a drive and I have picked up 3 pounds of boost pressure. Before, I could get 40 psi unloaded and 43 psi pulling. Now I get the 43 psi unloaded. I'll know what it gets when it's pulling when I take it to Sedona next weekend.

Steve

 

[Forrest]

Radiator screen

I've been swearing to get one, bug never have. The bugs sure clog up the works.

 

[swamp rat]

Ever tried one of those fine mesh bug screens in front of the radiator and ac cooler? When it gets clogged you can trash it and replace it with new or wash it out to reuse it until it gets torn/damaged. In either case it keeps the vast majority of gook out of the cooling fins of all three units.

 

[illflem]

I would say that unless you drive anywhere but in a large concrete city that a screen in front of your coolers is essential. I was driving along the Big Hole River in S. Montana a couple of weeks ago, had to stop and clean bugs off my windshield twice in 60 miles, couldn't see. The window type screen in front of my coolers was packed, just shook it out after the bugs dried, a lot easier than cleaning out the coolers.

 

[drawson]

I screened mine right after getting home from the dealer when it was brand new and not only does it keep the bugs out but also the small rocks. The fins on my A/C are strait just like NEW.

 

[Bob Ellithorpe]

I probably got the cheapest and easiest screen there is to install just regular fiberglass screening held in by four strong circular magnets. Works great and easy to clean.

 

[illflem]

Bob, I've got you beat on the cheapest, mine is used window screen, held up by used bread twist-ties. Yours might be easier to remove though.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Doesn't window screen, with the small holes, cause too much restriction for air flow?



Does anyone use screen with larger holes?



Dan

 

[illflem]

Way I figure it fine screen is better than no screen. You could probably get by with 8 mesh (1/8") window screen is 16 mesh. I've never noticed a difference in coolant, AT and intake temps with my 16 mesh on or off. Window screen is just easier to get, that's why I used it.

 

[dieselburner]

Just installed a screen in the front of my truck. Used some 1/4 inch heavy mesh and formed it in front of the radiator and then removed it and wire tied aluminum window screen to it. Looks good and didn't seem to affect cooling. I'll know next weekend hen I'm pulling the fifth wheel across the mohave...

 

[JohnE]

I live in one of those bug infested paradise lands, too. 10,000+ lakes produce a jillion each.

I have stayed away from bug screens at the recommendation of Chuck at <em>censored</em>. I think I'll have to try one soon. I just changed the airfilter on Friday and was cleaning bug guts out of the airfilter box.



One of the guys at work has a novel bug filtration device. He hung a screen on his grill guard. Judging by the mass of insect carcasses, it must work well. If it ever plugs with bugs, air should still find its way into the CAC, A/C evap & Radiator area?



Here's bug in your teeth (Old biker greeting)

John

 

[Andy Redmond]

fine screen and cooling performance

I think I live in an area to comment on the virtues of fine screen and cooling performance.



The only negative I've noticed with fine fiberglass screen material is decreased a/c performance at idle in traffic with temps above 95 deg F or so.



This is solved by making a bracket that holds the screen away from the condensor a little to allow for the fan to pull air from behind the screen as well as through the screen.



Anything is better than the bugs clogging things up.



Good luck

Andy