Radiator screen report

[Dieselnerd]

In the past there were many discussions about whether or not to put window screen in front of your radiator. Concerns with overheating vs preventing bug buildup that might be worse than the airflow reduction from a screen.



I always use window screen in front of my radiator. Last week I was towing my fifth wheel (around 14K as loaded for winter trip). I was in Nevada and towed up an 18 mile long grade that varied between 5% and 7% with 95 degree plus temperatures. I was using air conditioning. The engine temperature needle held at just about a needle width to the right of the 200. This is where it goes towing up any hill, even in the cold. So, even with the screen there was no apparent increase in engine heat.



Edited to correct my error, meant 200 degrees, not 210. Was just changing my oil when I noticed the center of the gauge is 200. My bad!

 

[Nate]

Hmm. I've never seen my temp go over 190*.

 

[evldsl]

In the past there were many discussions about whether or not to put window screen in front of your radiator. Concerns with overheating vs preventing bug buildup that might be worse than the airflow reduction from a screen.



I always use window screen in front of my radiator. Last week I was towing my fifth wheel (around 14K as loaded for winter trip). I was in Nevada and towed up an 18 mile long grade that varied between 5% and 7% with 95 degree plus temperatures. I was using air conditioning. The engine temperature needle held at just about a needle width to the right of the 210. This is where it goes towing up any hill, even in the cold. So, even with the screen there was no apparent increase in engine heat.

I installed Kilbys and have not had a problem.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Nate, if your current truck is the one in your signature, 190 is about right. The new ones run hotter for emissions, mine runs very close to 200 empty in cold weather. It ran at that temp before I put the screen on too. My 2nd gen ran cooler, also with a screen over the radiator. If I remember right, my 2nd gen said 190 in the center of the gauge. My '05 says 200 in the center of the gauge.



EDIT OOPS on my part, just realized my temp gauge reads 200 in the middle, not 210 as I said earlier.

 

[Tony T.]

I installed Kilbys and have not had a problem.

I also have Kilbys Condenser Guard and I modified it with black screen,it works great for the bugs and also protects those delicate fins from wandering knees and toes from leaning over to check stuff in the engine compartment. Never had any trouble with overheating either.



Tony

 

[DaveK98]

I put a screen on the front of mine. Didn't notice any temp differences towing my 5th wheel in summer in Texas.



It's nice to just kinda brush the bugs off the screen... .

 

[kowaliga]

I've never considered modifying my KILBY GUARD with fine mesh until Tony T, above, mentioned it. I couldn't figure out how to afix that screen on the grille. Having been enlightened, I confess to being much more stupid than I thought myself to be. Its quite humbling to go from self-perceived genius to dumb***** so quickly.

 

[Tony T.]

I've never considered modifying my KILBY GUARD with fine mesh until Tony T, above, mentioned it. I couldn't figure out how to afix that screen on the grille. Having been enlightened, I confess to being much more stupid than I thought myself to be. Its quite humbling to go from self-perceived genius to dumb***** so quickly.

I got the black screen from Home Depot, cut it to fit and used the small black plactic tie straps to hold it onto the Kilby Guard. I live close to a lake and during the summer months while crossing across the lake bridge around dusk into dark you are bombed by these little black bugs at times. The screening really helps out there.



Forgot to mention in the first post, I do have a pic of modified Kilby Guard in my Readers Rigs Section if interested.



Tony

 

[Graphite 6]

I too have Kilby's w/ the screen since day one. My results are the same temp wise and I couldn't be happier. Another suggestion for the screen,cut an "X" where the screen will hang on the rubber hood stops and cut a hole out for the latch, poof!! You're in business.

 

[ACerf]

I think the Gen 3's run a bit hotter than the 2's. I have seen my gauge get up to about 205 or so pulling a grade with my fifth wheeler. I have a condenser protector that I got from Geno's Garage. It really helps to keep the big stuff off the front! But at the time it might just make the engine run a bit hotter, but if it does not much.

 

[MMeier]

Noticed mine today reached over 1/2 way between 200 and the end of the normal zone. Was towing a 48' high cube on the road from Baker Cal. up to Pahrump Nv. 93*, A/C on, top of 4th pulling a grade. Have a new T Stat on the way from Cummins, going to service the cooling system next week!

 

[JRBurn]

I would like to get one of these Kilbys Guard can you tell me where to purchase one? Thanks.

 

[jjdiesel]

I would like to get one of these Kilbys Guard can you tell me where to purchase one? Thanks.

Genos