Problems covering the radiator on a gas engine?

[SoCalChris]

We're finally starting to get some really cold weather here, and I'm thinking of covering my radiator with something to keep the cold air from blowing across it.

 

This morning, it was about -25, and it took about 5 miles before the heater even thought about blowing warm air. And on my hour drive to work, the engine never came all the way up to the full operating temperature, it hovered around 180. I don't think it ever got hot enough for the thermostat to open, but I'm thinking that blocking the airflow over the radiator might still help some.

 

Would there be any problems covering it, as long as I keep my eye on the temp gauge? What's the best way to cover it? I'm thinking a piece of cardboard would work, but would probably look pretty ghetto.

[Rolandd]

Cardboard works and is nice because if you lose it on the road no one gets hurt. Chances are the t-stat never opened, however it is not a perfect seal so some coolant always runs through the radiator. This coolant will keep the tranny cooler from overheating.

[dhansell22]

I'd probably spray paint the cardboard flat black so you don't look too ghetto.

[asilverblazer]

I would only cover as much as required, start out by covering a portion then a little more, a little more, as little as possible. Are you absoluely sure it never got to 190? If the thermostat isn't open, there isn't much water going through the radiator anyways, so coveriung it up won't help. You might pull the thermostat and test it, if it has weakened or is opening too soon/cool, it might be as simple as replacing the thermostat.

 

I just went through this on my Caddy, car couldn't keep itself warm, much less me. Replace the thermostat, and I got heat.

 

However blocking the airflow across the engine, not nessacarily the radiator, might help.

[Guest chevydeerhunter]

Move farther south!

[Trouttrooper]

There are aftermarket covers specifically for covering your grille.

 

Cover or not, at -25 it's just friggen cold and will take a long time to get heat.

 

-20 this morning at my house

[mrsilv04]

I never cover the radiator, but cover the grille. I just don't like the thought of something up right up against the radiator, shutting off all the air. Especially if something happens and the vehicle sits and idles for an extended amount of time.

 

If you cover the grille, then you are reducing that blast of air coming through the grille and penetrating the radiator.

 

I know I'm not in Montana here, but when things get tough, I'll take cardboard, paint it black on one side, and put it on the inside of the grille. That will reduce air flow, but not eliminate it.

[Shaners]

GM sells a padded vinyl cover to cover the grill... It is a 2-piece unit that can be used to cover just the grill or the grill and the front bumper. It's a good looking unit that can be installed and removed in just a few minutes...

 

I have one for my '05 Dmax and I only use the portion that covers the grill. It works great and GM says only to use it in temps below 50* F. I don't know what it would cost from a dealer, but mine was a factory option for about $50.

 

I used mine last winter, but haven't needed it yet this year...

[luthor]

I use an aftermarket Heavyduty vinyl cover to shields my grill and my Mazda radiator from the cold weather, what more cool with it Mazda logo is printed on both side... One thing, it is odd that your thermostat doesn't get to 190? I think it is also a good idea to ask a trusted mechanic to check the thermostat before changing it... Good luck!!!

[angelfast]

Card board is quite safe and easy to use, but I never used it on my GMC radiator. Since I’ve learned that blockage may occur at the heater inlet hose union which is caused by poor cooling system maintenance. So what I did to restore flow through the heater's coolant circuit, I let my inlet heater hose and the union fitting replaced...Hope, this will work for you, too guys…