At 395,000 miles. Started to leak. The shop I took it to (local),put a new Ford radiator but did not reinstall the two side baffles or the lower baffle? The radiator looks bare naked now. Do I need the baffles? I'm in Texas. Gets hot down here.

 

Have been running without baffles for over a year - no difference in engine temperature (max mid 80s) - (min snow) 2014 CCLB 6.2 i will not replace them.

 

I don't think the baffles are needed if all you're ever doing is flying down the highway at 70.

However, they're important when you're moving slowly; stopped in traffic; or are trying to back a heavy trailer up a hill on a hot day. They help the cooling fan to pull the maximum amount of air through the radiator, transmission cooler, oil cooler, and A/C condenser.

I am betting your operating temperature climbs much quicker without them in those circumstances. Probably even more so in Texas...

 

Just from the impact on fuel mileage going from a 4wd front air dam to a shorter 2wd, really shows how much air these plastic pieces effect. They are not there for looks. The way you work your truck, and the area you work it in, I would replace them.

 

I changed my side baffles which got torn driving through flood water. yes, removing grill makes it easy. Youtube video shows remove 4 bolts on top of grill, lean back and press 4 or so tabs at bottom of grill to release. Then changing side baffles are easy.

 

How much do you think you have lost?

 

Can't give you any thing exact, because I put the plus size tires on around the same time. But for the short period of time after I ripped my 4wd valance off, it was a full 2mpg while running no valance on the interstate. If I did a lot of interstate driving, I would have put a 4wd valance back on.

 

My lower one just hangs out below the bumper area from when I installed my ranch hand bumper. I still have my side baffles..

My my transmission runs right around 200 with the highest being 209 with a head wind.

My coolant temps are around 175-180.

I think the lower one is to keep road debris from hitting the bottom end of the coolers.

 

Are we supposed to do anything special with the antifreeze to protect the aluminum radiator, changing fluid or adding additive like the diesels need.

Denny

 

The manual says "no" just change it at 105,000 miles

Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or
any engine coolants mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.

• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives
to the coolant. These can be harmful
and compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.

 

You made it longer than I did one time .I bought a 2006 F450 6.0 and the radiator crapped out in the parking lot at the ford dealer with 60 miles on it. Since it was a custom bed truck, I had to wait a month to get it fixed due to shortage of parts instead of the lemon law. that truck should have been painted yellow with a rine texture.

 

Let me guess, and so began your transformation from a diesel guy to a gasser man?