[acr_scout]

Hello all,

I know my 1996 Dodge B2500 360CID is not a hotrod but I am sure you all or someone will hav a answer from me.

Nope, this time it is NOT an overheating question, it is an underheating question. This past summer I put in a new thermostat, clutch for the fan, and water pump. The thermostat is a 195, a set it in place with Indian Head sealant and the gasket is dry.

In spring through fall I tow a camper about 6,000lbs. With the A/C on and pulling a grade the engine gets mighty warm. I can handle this, I just cycle the A/C by hand.

However, it is now cold here in Indiana and the engine does not warm up worth a darn. The temp gauge barely makes it off the "C" mark even after and hour long drive. This may not be too big of a deal but there is no cabin heat to speak of.

Radiator is full, water does move as if the pump is working, and disolution is set at about 57%.

Any ideas on getting the temp hotter short of covering the radiator?

Thanks,
Fred

[Henry Highrise]

Thermostat could have gone bad...stuck open.

[bentwings]

check the thermostat/ Other than that use the diesel winter fronts. I made mine out of 1/4 in Lexan and fit the top 4 slots on the grill. Stailess steel bolts thru the gill grid. I run them on the diesel untill the outside temp get up to 75 deg......also have documented mpg improvement of about .5 to 1. Probably due to improved air flow around the hood. Got them on now.

[dinger]

Originally Posted by bentwings

check the thermostat/ Other than that use the diesel winter fronts. I made mine out of 1/4 in Lexan and fit the top 4 slots on the grill. Stailess steel bolts thru the gill grid. I run them on the diesel untill the outside temp get up to 75 deg......also have documented mpg improvement of about .5 to 1. Probably due to improved air flow around the hood. Got them on now.

That's a good, quick and easy fix without digging into the pocket book! Experiment a little like bentwings says, easy enough to remove when it warms up again. Dan

[acr_scout]

I am a little concerned that blocking the radiator could hurt something. For instance, putting too much stress on the fan. Any thoughts?

My buddy says put color matching tape on the grill: it might help tighten it up in the corners! Or does that free it up?

[malc]

Why not install higher temp thermostat,220º, and keep more heat in the motor ?
Do you have an electric fan or mechanical, if electric at what engine temp does it come on ?

[bentwings]

Diesel guys often block the radiator entirely in the winter. They usually cut a 6-8 in hole in the center in front of the fan hub to cool the center of the fan and make an even fan load. Diesels don't make much heat in the winter. bbbuuurrr. Some guys even have cab heaters.

When it is -20f I run the generator and block heater all the time, driving or not if I can't plug in. Need all the heat I can get. I can run 14-16 hours on 4 gal of gas.

[OneMoreTime]

Just as an experiment that won't cost anything one can cut a piece of cardboard to set in front of the radiator..that was a poor guys trick in the old days gone by..Once you figure out what works then make a nicer one..

Sam

[acr_scout]

Hello again All,

Tonight I finally got a chance to put that cardboard behind the grill. Here is what I did. I took off the grill and put the cardboard right against the backside of the grill and zip-tied it in place. I figure this will only be temporary.

The question, do you think being just behind the grill and not on the face of the radiator (a/c core) be good enough?

Second, when I took the grill off, behind the vertical post of the grill was some kind of sensor with two wires back there. What could that be?

Thanks,
Fred

[bentwings]

I think it is an ambient air temp for either the A/C or the overhead maybe both.