Winter fronts
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From: Magrath
Winter fronts
It got cold here last night. Now I have always been one that figured if the cab of the truck heated up fine, no winterfront was needed. Well, the cab of my Supercrew didn't heat up fine. -20 degrees and driving 70 MPH keeps that truck fairly cold.
My question is, will those screened grill inserts block enough air to make a difference or should I get the ones that block the air completely. I am hoping the screened ones will work so I never have to take them off, but I don't want to waste my time with them either.
My question is, will those screened grill inserts block enough air to make a difference or should I get the ones that block the air completely. I am hoping the screened ones will work so I never have to take them off, but I don't want to waste my time with them either.
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Our F350 crew trucks use the screened fronts and they do make it difference. Not as good as ones that block the air completely but you have to remove that one once it warms up and the screened ones are good to go all year round. 
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From: Willow River B.C.
Dont the winter front/bug screen come as a set? I think its worth the $40 to get the set then you can switch them off as needed. You could also slide a piece of cardboard between the screen and the grill if its really cold, looks horrible but it works.
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From: Magrath
I called the local Ford dealership and they seem to think that a winter front will do me no good. They figure I need to "bring it in and get the cooling system checked out".
When I went out at lunch, now it is about 5 degrees, the truck heats up just fine. I tend to disagree with them, but what do you guys think. Their claim is that the newer vehicles don't need winter fronts and the truck should warm up regardless.
My thinking is if it was the cooling system, weather I was driving at -20 degrees or 5 degrees at 70 mph the truck will not warm up.
When I went out at lunch, now it is about 5 degrees, the truck heats up just fine. I tend to disagree with them, but what do you guys think. Their claim is that the newer vehicles don't need winter fronts and the truck should warm up regardless.
My thinking is if it was the cooling system, weather I was driving at -20 degrees or 5 degrees at 70 mph the truck will not warm up.
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From: Willow River B.C.
(almost) Any engine going 70mph at -20 is not gonna warm up too well, now if it was only -5 and still cold I'd go get it checked out. Your dealer is bs'n you, must be a slow day and theyre looking for something to do IMO.
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From: Magrath
Originally Posted by tbirdscott
(almost) Any engine going 70mph at -20 is not gonna warm up too well, now if it was only -5 and still cold I'd go get it checked out. Your dealer is bs'n you, must be a slow day and theyre looking for something to do IMO.
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From: Near Wamego KS
One thing I'd never do is put cardboard in front of the radiator, can cause a problem real quick if you forget to remove it once the vehicle warms up. One thing that has always worked for me is a burlap bag, it slows the airflow substantially but doesn't stop it.
As for the dealer telling you to bring it in because it takes a long time to warm up at -20, ask them how a new vehicle defies the laws of nature and physics.
As for the dealer telling you to bring it in because it takes a long time to warm up at -20, ask them how a new vehicle defies the laws of nature and physics.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
I've used cardboard in front of the radiator several times over the last 25 years; it's very effective. Remember to not cover the entire radiator. Experiment with 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 covered. And yes, to remember to remove it when the weather warms a bit.
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