Radiator cleaning

[DCadigan]

what do you all use to keep bugs and crap from getting in fins on radiator??

 

[Bill Stockard]

what do you all use to keep bugs and crap from getting in fins on radiator??

Wire window screen (not plastic) from Home Depot. It's been across the front under the hood since I brought it home from the dealer brand new over 6 years ago. No cooling problems during the hot TX summers.



Bill

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Wire window screen (not plastic) from Home Depot. It's been across the front under the hood since I brought it home from the dealer brand new over 6 years ago. No cooling problems during the hot TX summers.



Bill

Bill, how did you fasten it? That is a great idea. I can't believe I never thought of that before.



Jeff

 

[DaveHess]

I run screen directly in front of the first cooler and use zip ties to keep it in place. I made a screen skirt if you will to down to behind the bumper to cover the lower opening. Works like a champ and I too have not noticed any cooling issues even towing across a 105 degree day in the middle of nowhere Wyoming! The A/C didn't work so great but the truck temp hung right around the 2 century mark. That was pulling the TT behind us also. Figured I better clarify that.

 

[ScottLewis]

I put f'glas window screening in front of the radiators, held with cable ties, as soon as I got my '06 home from the dealer.



I did my '98 a few months after purchase and replaced it at about 80K miles. It was still there when I sold the truck in '07 with 110K miles.



Very few bugs get past (or around) the screen and I have never noticed an engine overheating problem. An occasional brushing off or shake keeps it clear.



Dan

 

[Bill Stockard]

Bill, how did you fasten it? That is a great idea. I can't believe I never thought of that before.



Jeff

Jeff,



Thanks, but that wasn't originally my idea. I "borrowed" it from another TDR member.



I secured the screen like the others posted with plastic wire ties. When the bugs accumulate on the screen, I use a small brush to brush them off after they are dry and "crispy".



The first summer after I installed the screen, I kept careful watch on the coolant temprature, but didn't notice any difference when hauling my heavy slide-in camper in 100+ degree heat.



Bill

 

[bheiting]

It's the air conditioning condenser that's out in front there. You don't want rocks
damaging it, especially when you're in the middle of Death Valley. I made my own
guard from expanded steel, painted it black, and used existing fasteners. It only needs
a power wash a couple times a year to get the bugs off. Geno's has their version for $55.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Radiator

I use my pressure washer!

 

[SHobbs]

Cabela's -- Winter/Summer Truck Grille Covers and Screen Fronts





I picked up one of these about 7 years ago. You can either use screws or the supplied plastic snap bases held on by 3M tape. I used the stick on method and so far none of them have come off and hold the screen secure against the grill. Also it has never ripped or torn and is easy to remove and clean. As far as my radiator is concerned it does keep the bugs out which is what I wanted.

 

[snuff]

i use a wire scren 1/4 holes, more for rocks than bugs, i hit with the pressure washer once in awhile, have read about overheating problems with the fiberglass/plastic screen for homes, some run the wire mesh.

 

[outatym]

I have a 2006 with 95,000 miles and when I look down between the inner-cooler and the radiator I see bugs packed inn, any ideas on the best way to remove the bugs? I thought I could use a presser washer but will that get all the through the multi-layers of finns or do I remove the transmission cooler and the inner-cooler?

 

[seafish]

Here is my solution, includes pix...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...223277-kilby-guard-removeable-bug-screen.html

 

[outatym]

Seafish, Looks good and thanks that helps out a lot. have you had any problems with engine temp. running warmer than normal? and what about all the bugs that I have now? what is the beast way to remove them?

 

[seafish]

Seafish, Looks good and thanks that helps out a lot. have you had any problems with engine temp. running warmer than normal? and what about all the bugs that I have now? what is the beast way to remove them?

Absolutely no problems with coolant temps-- the SS mesh is 1/8" openings... plenty of airflow. Some people even use nylon window screen, which is a super tight mesh, and still dont have overheating problems, but I wanted to avoid the disposable look and instead come up with something that will last the life of the truck and is easily cleanable.



In terms of cleaning the radiator, I just used a flat spray pressure washer nozzle and an acute angle to the radiator, In other words, I aimed it mostly parallel to the radiator front to wash the bugs off. Once the front was clean, I aimed a smaller nozzle into the radiator to try to push any remains through. I also used a small pick to remove the variuos tiny pebbles that were still stuck in the fins (though I drive a rock road everyday, so you may or may not have that problem) and then used a Harbor Freight fin straitener to pull the bent fins out the best I could. Also lightly sprayed some flat black paint in the areas where the aluminum fins were showing. Like you said, it seemd to come out nicely. Thanks!!



Please note that on the early 3rd gen, and also I believe later second gen trucks, the crankcase ventilation hose vents right behind and near the radiator and so MANY owners of these trucks have problems with it gumming up the radiaror from the BACK side. The ONLY way to clean that crap out is to pull the radiaor and pressure wash from the back side as well. The technique is detailed both in TDR magazine, as well as a thread here somewhere.

 

[seafish]

I made my own guard from expanded steel, painted it black, and used existing fasteners. Geno's has their version for $55.

BH, thats a great idea also... quick, cheap and sturdy!!!

I went with the Kilby because it was also quick but also offered the optional top protection for the ac condensor, as well as the optional tool tray for nuts and bolts and wrenches while working on the engine