Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) To cover or not to cover the intercooler (winterfront)

[C.Solomon]

I have always left the intercooler uncovered and just used cardboard to cover the radiator.

Is it harmful to cover the intercooler, and not let any free air move across it?



I could see a drop in performance if the outside air temps are lets say 30 degrees+ and it is covered with a winterfront.



I'm just looking for a some input.

 

[FourBarR]

the d/c manual says must have 10% open on right side of grill, for intercooler.

 

[macdaddy]

I used to only leave enough open for the AUX transmission cooler and about four inches (vertically) just to the left of the Trans cooler living in Wa state during the winter months, with no worries.



Mac



Welcome to the TDR C Soloman

 

[cyborg]

During a wet winter in the sierras I feared the cardboard would come apart and clog the radiator fins.

I couldn't find a winter front yet, so I used a relective (aluminized) windshield shade. Folded in half and slid down between the I/C and radiator. Seems pretty durable.

 

[SKneeland]

i cover mine 100% some days (depending how cold, allways leave a hole in front of the fan clutch tho). cardboard is wonderful in that you can fold a bit over if the truck starts running too warm.



it gets washed at least once a week (with the cardboard in) have yet to clog anything... .

 

[Cooker]

If you do not cover the IC your intake air temperature will be too cold.



I don't know that I would place cardboard directly in front of the radiator. Covering the grill works good and still allows some airflow.

 

[PKozlowski]

I cover mine 100% depending on the outside temps. I have for years, heck I even pull with it covered(-20 outside)

 

[MYeary]

I put the lund cold front on my grill and it works great, I figure the bumper openings provide enough air flow

 

[fmj]

I remember a post by ilflem (long gone and pretty knowledgeable) that said he removed the fan in winter wherever he lived. He said that these trucks could run without the fan up into the high 40s with the cooling capacity they have. He left his off for the coldest part of winter. Others agreed with him. Since I don't live in anything remotely cold, I've never had to do anything but use a cold front while in mountains. There have been warnings of completely covering the radiator causing cracking of fan blades and having them take out radiator or hoses. Just some more info to consider.

 

[TowPro]

I vote for the Lund Cold front. Had one on my 98, worked great and still let air over all the coolers. After you drill a 1/2" hole in front of the temp sensor it works as well.

 

[Cooker]

illflem removed the fan and ran a winter front on the grill. This works very well unless you are in traffic.

 

[RSarvie]

I put the lund cold front on my grill and it works great, I figure the bumper openings provide enough air flow

Ditto, look good, easy to remove one or two if it starts to get warm.

 

[Royk]

I used a piece of rigid foam insulation board with the foil sides. I did the math and cut a hole exactly the recommended 10% of the radiator area, centered on the fan. The board slides down between IC and radiator, so only radiator is blocked. Takes about 10 seconds tops to install or remove.



Roy

 

[EricBu12]

I have Grille covers on mine, it makes for good flow of air up to 65 degrees outside so all 4 can be on up to then and remove 2 or so when towing... . see classifieds

 

[Jeepmullet]

I live in Central Arkansas but routinely drive up to KC Missouri. Do I need to cover the radiator and intercooler with something?

 

[C.Solomon]

I live in Central Arkansas but routinely drive up to KC Missouri. Do I need to cover the radiator and intercooler with something?

This is my thoughts, it the temps are below 20-15 I would cover the radiator. It prevents the cooling down effect when you idle for a few mins. and also warm up times are alot better when the radiator is covered.