Just wondering, anyone block their radiator in this way? My truck takes a long time to warm up in cold temps and putting the heater on full blast makes it lose temperature FAST on downhills. Thermostat is a brand new 195 degree Stant and it gets up to proper temp. Same **** happens with my Subaru.

Diesel buses and tractors often have those covers but I've never seen them on gasoline vehicles. I just threw in a folded up wheel shipping box up in front of the rad and it definitely makes a difference. Also found my radiator is leaking which is cool...

 

I've done it on a Ram 50 and it works. Turns out the valve in the heater box wasn't opening and closing properly. I had to replace the box with a junkyard box that works great now no cardboard necessary. You might consider making sure the box and heater core are working before it gets real cold. Can't imagine it being that cold in Connecticut yet.

 

Nah it's still pretty warm. It was 80 degrees two days ago. Two days before that it was 30 at night...haha. but yes, it's been too warm to actually need the blower at all but I've been testing the system in preparation for this winter. My stated experience is based on the previous few winters of being freezing in the cab. Admittedly a bad thermostat that opened too early was to blame for part of that.

Thanks. I'll check out the heater box valve.

 

Here's another option for ya and looks pretty good:

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/180914981412

I took mine out for the summer because they made the truck run too hot for my liking. But not that's its cooler they're perfect to be using.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby Warford

Here's another option for ya and looks pretty good:

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/180914981412

I took mine out for the summer because they made the truck run too hot for my liking. But not that's its cooler they're perfect to be using.

Kinda funny, that you recommend this to restrict air flow, and I have no doubt that it does, but the ad speaks to it not restricting air flow.....

 

Thanks Toby. I like the look of that and I definitely plan to go to a mesh grille in the future to put lights behind, though that particular grille would be too obstructive. Still worth considering for the meantime.

 

Oops... Wrong ones. Those ones may NOT do anything for restricting air flow. Those ones are a little different then the ones I have. Those ones have thinner material and larger holes then the ones I have. Coincidentally, I can't find the ones I have on eBay.

 

when i had my 92 i actually removed the rad fan and covered the rad with cardboard/ between AC condensor and rad.. for the winter.. but in canada we be friggen cold and had no problems... and my drive was only 20 minutes anyway , then when it warmed up i added a electric fan and sensor.. ..

my first 98 tj removed fan and covered rad.. still barelly any heat.. but thats a jeep lol

second jeep same thing... covered died from heat..

current 99 ram... TBD ..