My Ferd buddy told me that his dad puts a piece of cardboard in front of his radiator. He says it makes it runs hotter and better with better mpg. I would think it blocks a lot of the air thats needed. anybody heard of this?

 

I do it in the winter time. Helps it warm up much faster and the thermostat doesnt cycle as much( temps are constant). I also cut a 6" hole in the middle so the air could get to the fan clutch. I heard that it is hard on them if you dont.
CJ

 

Anything is an improvement for a Ford.. With the head gasket problems on the 6.0, I wouldn't want to run higher coolant temp.

Winter, sure. I do it when it gets down to -30.. Keeping the engine at around 160-180°F is good for all around performance on most gas or diesel engines.

 

Chet, we used to do this on the ag shop bus in the winter time, so it would warm up faster

 

A lot of People do that Here!--when the temps gets below -0* below Zero! as it helps! considering the wind chill effect & I have never heard of It bothering an auto Fan? as at Zero when your traveling at 60 MPH--the Wind chill effect gets really down there! & instead of cutting a hole! leave a space? at the TOP! if? your Worried about your Auto Fan! as Heat Rises! & the TOP of your radiator will be the Hotest!--I Hope this Helps? --Ole JIM way up in MAINE--

 

When using cardboard you have to make sure to leave a hole in the middle or cover 100% of the radiator.
What happens if air can flow though the sides or top is that every time a fan blade passes though the air flow while rotating it flexes and can eventually break off. This only happens with metal fans, not plastic.
On every broken off fan blade I've encountered the owner was in the habit of using a cardboard that didn't cover all of the radiator. One that broke off did over $1500 worth of damage, it took out the the radiator, innercooler and auto tranny cooler.

 

Wind chill has no effect other than on bare skin. 0* and no wind is the same as 0* and 20 mph wind to inaimate objects.

 

True, but the wind does have an effect on inanimate objects warmer than the ambient air temp. The objects will not cool to below the air temperature, meaning they will not cool to the wind chill figure, but they will shed heat easier/faster than without wind.

 

Especially when wind is carrying sleet, snow and rain along with it.

 

Just don't forget to take it out in the summer!!
I've heard of people having over heating problems in the summer just to remember the cardboard they left in.

 

Infidel how big should the hole in the middle be?

 

I have been using two types if covers for many years. One is the CHEAP ( I like this Idea $9.00 ) the 24X36 " cut down to fit, mud flap and cut a hole in it 8". They don't fall apart when and if they get wet, and take a lot of heat if the rad gets too hot. The other is baler belting cut to length for vertical hanging (I use the hole punch to put 4 5/16" per belt thus I can offset them somewhat if I have to) from the 500 lb string strung across the mounts for the hood. I vary these depending on the temps out. - 5*C this morning and going to hang two today and reduce the air flow. I came down from one job some years ago and at -20*C with no rad coverage the engine sure ran cold. Wished that I had brought them with me. That is the trouble with an engine that doesen't burn the fuel that it is suposed to.

 

6-8" is plenty

 

nice one Chad, we had a slight oil leak too.

 

Anyone have pics of this setup?