operating temps

[FF1381]

What is the best operating temps for our trucks and are the winter fronts necessary?

 

[radixr]

Winter Front

The winter fronts aren't necessary; certainly not in Texas. The engine will reach normal operating temperature (160-190 degrees) with or without them. However, the winter fronts get you there faster (to final op. temp. , not your final destination ).

 

[Dr.Kayak]

Winter fronts

I don't think they are necessary, at least where I live. I have had them on for a few months. The thermometer in the overhead console is no loner accurate with the winnter fronts on. I also see transmission temps higher than I like with them on. The engine/water temp never gets above 190 which is fine. I think it would need to be below 20 out to need them.



I plan on taking mine off.

 

[FF1381]

thanks for the info guys

 

[Fireman Dave]

I think they're necessary for the guys who want to get cab heat faster. I've never had one, and I don't need one. I drove to SD last Christmas in below zero temps with plenty of heat in my cab, and the engine temp sat right at 190 - as it always does. So, I chucked my piece of cardboard that I brought along just in case. I figured If I didn't use it on that trip, I'd never need it. Mine heats up fast enough, so I don't see a need - for me. A lot of guys like them, though, and I think the older trucks may need them more than the newer ones.

 

[JJW_ND]

Neccessary ...No Recomended Yes!

Speaking for a 12V only, and when operating in Northern tier states and north, a winter front makes a big difference. While I have never had a problem keeping the cab warm, from my experiece, the engine is alot happier if the oil temps are over 180. This is not possible on a 12V when air temps are below zero with out a winter front.



Over the last 5 years the best MPG I have seen are in the early spring or late fall WITH the winter front ON. Must be something good about it.



jjw

 

[Larv]

Evidently my temp gauge has quit working. On a 30 mile drive to Boise the gauge never moves. I do get warm air from the heater but not hot. I suspect the thermostat but the dlr also said it could be a sensor. Anyone ever have this trouble? I have 54k on the truck. GO BIG RED!! Larv

 

[hammersley]

What is the best winter front arrangement?

What is the best for our rig - I mean do you just put cardboard in fron of the rad - or does somebody really make something worth a hoot?

 

[RACE427]

Thermostats

I have found that engine thermostats loose their correct opening range after about 2 years. I would recommend installing a new Cummins thermostat and your heater will work mint!!! Three simple bolts and you are done!!!! Install fresh anit-freeze while you are doing the thermo install. Buy Cummins Anti-freeze and you will be set for two more years!!! Hope this helps.

 

[TowPro]

Re: What is the best winter front arrangement?

I did'nt like the way the cardboard was rubbing my raidator so I bought a Lund cold Front. then I did not like the way my overhead console would not display the correct temp, so I drilled a 1/2" hole in the cold front just in front of the temp pickup.

Problem solved. I also like the way it keeps some of the salt off the engine. Or course I don't drive my truck in the snow anymore, its a dedicated fun truck now, I have the VW Jetta TDI for beating, I mean commuting.

Originally posted by hammersley

What is the best for our rig - I mean do you just put cardboard in fron of the rad - or does somebody really make something worth a hoot?

 

[illflem]

I wouldn't use cardboard unless the temps were well below zero F. Even then the cardboard should have a 8" diameter hole in the center or you can break off a fan blade. What happens with cardboard is your coolant temps stay fine but unless you have gauges to monitor your AT and intake temps they can go way too high. Your A/C can also freeze up. Cardboard works too good when it's right up against the coolers, if you had a way to back it up some it would be fine. Removing the fan and using grill inserts is the best combo I've found for keeping all the temps in the correct range for winter. Plus your truck is much quieter without the fan, I hate putting mine back on come summer.

 

[DavidD]

I posted an earlier comment on my expierience with cold fronts. i use them when we get to 20 or lower. The engine does run better. I have noticed a big change in engine sounds withthe cold fronts in place at low temps. The cold air going over the intercooler cools the intake air so much when it hits the engine combustion is less effiecent because of the cold air. The engine is noticable quieter with some heat in the intake air. My milage is better and it doesnt cool off going down long mountain passes. I use them whenever its in the low 20's or colder and just pop them out when it warms quick and easy, Dave

 

[R.ebel]

Fanless is the way to go Tried the cardboard winter front and it works ok, but after going fanless I'll never go back to a winter front.

 

[WDaniels]

Re: What is the best winter front arrangement?

Originally posted by hammersley

What is the best for our rig - I mean do you just put cardboard in fron of the rad - or does somebody really make something worth a hoot?

Hammersley,

Cardboard isn't the best thing to use. If it gets wet the fibers from the cardboard can clog your rad fins. If you guys out there want cold weather fronts other than the inserts that lund and others make, contact: Alaska Tent and Tarp at 907-456-6328 in Fairbanks Ak. They already have them pre made and all you have to do is put in the snaps under the grill and infront of the radiator. There is a small cut out for the transmission cooler and a zipper for those warmer days.

WD

 

[stevek]

How much do the Alaska Tent and Tarp cold fronts cost? I really like the idea of the fabric cold front that has a zipper other than the plastic ones. Thnx steve