when to put the radiator cover on?

[Mifirewoodguy]

I have a 2000-Int 9400I with an N-14 in it. Here in Mich its been getting to about 20 degrees at night and lower to mid 40's during the day. I ran it yesterday with the radiator cover off and the outside temp was about 28 degrees the truck temp ran from 150 at idle to 200 at load running speed. With the cover on the truck runs about 180 to 200 then the fan kicks in. Is there any right or wrong time to put it on like a sub zero temp or something?

[bob h]

I have a 2000-Int 9400I with an N-14 in it. Here in Mich its been getting to about 20 degrees at night and lower to mid 40's during the day. I ran it yesterday with the radiator cover off and the outside temp was about 28 degrees the truck temp ran from 150 at idle to 200 at load running speed. With the cover on the truck runs about 180 to 200 then the fan kicks in. Is there any right or wrong time to put it on like a sub zero temp or something?

the wrong time to put it on is --- when you're pouring in anti-freeze.... wait, I just thought of another --- while your trying to dip the DCA test strip into the coolant, yes that's also a bad time to have the cap on...... there's probably others too, I'll get back to you ;0)

150 is too cold.

[allan5oh]

That's definitely too warm. Does your cover have those flaps to at least let some in?

I'd say when the daytime does not get any warmer then 25 degrees, put the sucker on.

[bob h]

I have a 2000-Int 9400I with an N-14 in it. Here in Mich its been getting to about 20 degrees at night and lower to mid 40's during the day. I ran it yesterday with the radiator cover off and the outside temp was about 28 degrees the truck temp ran from 150 at idle to 200 at load running speed. With the cover on the truck runs about 180 to 200 then the fan kicks in. Is there any right or wrong time to put it on like a sub zero temp or something?

the wrong time to put it on is --- when you're pouring in anti-freeze.... wait, I just thought of another --- while your trying to dip the DCA test strip into the coolant, yes that's also a bad time to have the cap on...... there's probably others too, I'll get back to you ;0)

150 is too cold.

Oh, the cover! thanks for making that more clear for me 5oh!

[allan5oh]

I got another one, when you're draining the coolant!

GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG!

[jiptwoo]

It's been a very long time since I read this, but I believe it said when using covers to remember the top section of the radiator is where most of your cooling for the radiator occurs. Something to keep in mind if your running to warm with the cover on. Although; michigan, I doubt it once winter sets in. I think it stated the top quater of the radiator, as per 18 years ago, tho technology has changed, I sure even in radiators.

[PhuzzyGnu]

I spoke to a mechanic about this and his opinion is on newer trucks it's a waste of time and money. Maybe in a pre-computer older truck, yeah. New truck? Nah.

I just got back from a run to Cape Girardeau, MO over to Crane, IN and back to Houston. It was in the low teens with pretty good snow in Dale, IN when I woke up in the hotel room and went out to the truck (2007 Freightliner Columbia/14.0 Detroit). The truck started right up with no white smoke and was at driveable temp within 15 minutes. Once under way it stayed between 180-200*.

A quick Google search turned up this nugget from Landline:

" In order to help the engine warm up faster, many drivers use winter fronts over the radiators. A few years ago, engineers thought the best winter-front design was to have an opening in the center, right where the fan was, so it could provide unrestricted flow to the intercooler. We now know that this caused as many problems as it solved due to temperature differences across the radiator. The latest TMC (Technical and Maintenance Council) Recommended Practice calls for uniformly wide openings that run vertically across the entire width of horizontal flow radiators. This new design keeps heat more uniform in the radiator core. The differential expansion caused by the older designs led to numerous radiator and charge-air-cooler failures.

To prepare a cooling system for winter, start with the percentage of antifreeze. Then be sure SCA levels are in range. Check hoses for both internal and external deterioration, and make sure hose clamps adjust for temperature to prevent leaks. Be sure the thermostat operates properly. Thermostats usually fail in the open position, so your engine will take longer to warm up and may run cooler if not under load. If you use a winter front, make sure it meets TMC RP-343 criteria."

-p.

[yoopr]

been way below zero here but anyway you have to have at least a 6" square opening in your winter front or you're gonna over heat. Open it Up.

[allan5oh]

I just got back from a run to Cape Girardeau, MO over to Crane, IN and back to Houston. It was in the low teens with pretty good snow in Dale, IN when I woke up in the hotel room and went out to the truck (2007 Freightliner Columbia/14.0 Detroit). The truck started right up with no white smoke and was at driveable temp within 15 minutes. Once under way it stayed between 180-200*.

Winter fronts aren't for easy starting in the morning. The engine will be totally cold whether there's a front or not. However, if you have a wabasto or espar, the engine will definitely warm up quicker with the front. Especially when there's a stiff wind.

Winter fronts are for when it's REALLY cold to keep you warmer. They do work.

Also, they prevent a lot of sand and salt from hitting your rad. Everyone up here runs them.

[terrylamar]

wabasto or espar????????????

[allan5oh]

engine heaters. Sort of like a block heater, only they run on diesel and circulate the coolant.

My espar works great, I've never plugged my truck in. It's started as cold as -40. Personally, I think they work better then block heaters.

[yoopr]

I love ESPAR-it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
No too hot or too cold in the bunk-JUST Right

[bob h]

I got another one, when you're draining the coolant!

GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG!

yeah, forgot that one... ;0)

[bob h]

wabasto or espar????????????

also a cab heater for cold nights w/o idling a 15L powerplant

[RockyMtnProDriver]

The only time I have ever used a winter front, is when it is both very cold and windy. And that is mostly just to keep the snow from blowing into the engine compartment.

[classicxl]

have never had one on and never had any problems

[COLT]

SELDOM have I driven a truck that will maintain 175 or above when running m/t when it's cold out. So I use the winter front. What is the "ideal" operating temp?

[PhuzzyGnu]

I just got back from a run to Cape Girardeau, MO over to Crane, IN and back to Houston. It was in the low teens with pretty good snow in Dale, IN when I woke up in the hotel room and went out to the truck (2007 Freightliner Columbia/14.0 Detroit). The truck started right up with no white smoke and was at driveable temp within 15 minutes. Once under way it stayed between 180-200*.

Winter fronts aren't for easy starting in the morning. The engine will be totally cold whether there's a front or not. However, if you have a wabasto or espar, the engine will definitely warm up quicker with the front. Especially when there's a stiff wind.

Winter fronts are for when it's REALLY cold to keep you warmer. They do work.

Also, they prevent a lot of sand and salt from hitting your rad. Everyone up here runs them.

Since I pulled my head out of my butt a while back I know that a winter front has no effect on cold starting.

My post was simply about a modern (2007) truck, cold starting, and operating temperature afterward- plus a little info from people more knowledgeable than I regarding a winterfront.

-p.