SO i decided I need a winter front can't afford a fancy one. So where do I place my piece of cardboard? starting at the engine working towards the front of the truck I have 4 radiators.

First one is really big and thick next one is a bit skinnier but not much and then there are two that sit infront a small one about 9x14 and then a larger one both of the front ones are about and inch thick. SOOoooooo

Given that where should I place my cardboard to keep my truck in prime operation temps ? and me nice and toasty It was 5 degrees when I went to work this morning.

 

I slip the piece of cardboard (with a 6" hole cut in the center) in between the radiator, and the charge air cooler.
Just make sure you make it tall enough that you can grab it to remove it when you need to.

 

ok which one is the charge air? the one second one from the fan going towards front

 

The radiator is the one closest to the engine fan and has the coolant fill cap on it, then there's a 1" or so gap to the front and the Charge Air cooler.
That's where I slip the cardboard.

 

OK Thanks I'll go box hunting tonight on the way home.

what are the two small ones upfront?

 

The small one on the driver side is the trans cooler the other is the ac condensor.

 

I got a question- Why a winter front anyway???????????????/

 

I made the cardboard front today and haven't noticed any difference. It may because its -10F and in this cold of weather you may not notice it. Mine is right between the radiator and intercooler. Its about the same size as the intercooler, maybe a few inches smaller on both sides and its got a 6 inch hole cut in the middle and I honestly can't say I have noticed much of a difference if any. I'll let you know when and if it gets a little warmer. Calling the dealer for the winter fronts on monday.

 

well I made one Sunday morning and noticed a difference right away compared to Saturdays driving around in single digit temps. Saturday I was leaving big clouds of Smoke when accelerating even though the temp gauge stayed where it should be. Sunday no such issue I got in started driving and as soon as the temp gauge started to climb no more smoke. Plus there was a difference in the heat in the cab as well. Saturday it never really got warm Sunday warmed up and stayed warm. (thank god) Thanks for the guidance.

 

Vermont is having a little cold snap this month.
Last weekend I put my trusty hunk of paneling between the charge air cooler and the radiator. This has a 5 inch hole in the center but that could be removed if I pulled the fan for the winter.

In my truck this winter front does help with warmup. I often have my truck at accident scenes idling for hours and cold weather idling risks have been a concern of mine.

Last month I FINALLY got my 3 cylinder idle working. Last weekend I started my truck at -20 and went back into work for 1/2 hour. When I got back out the truck was at 1200RPM and doing the 3 cyl rattle. No exhaust smoke was observed and the cab heater was nice and roasty!

I don't fear the cold anymore with my combination of ESPAR heater, 3cyl idle and the cold front. Last weekend my only diesel was the only rig out of 4 cars at the house that would start (and it was not plugged in)!!

David Covell

 

Wouldnt placing some cardboard in front of the radiator cause excess pressure on the radiator sides under highway speeds? I would think a regular winter front would keep the pressure on the grill. Just curious.