Engine & Heater temp question

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Nov 1, 2008 | 02:31 PM

Holo20

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Engine & Heater temp question

Hey everyone,

I live in Fairbanks Alaska and lately the temp has been in the 0 to -10 F range when I start my 01 Expy, to warm up in the mornings before I head to work.

At that temp, the truck needs to idle for about 45 minutes before the engine (according to the gauge) is decently warm. This is not the normal temp however; once I start driving, the temp will rise to it's "normal" spot within a couple miles of driving.

When I get in the truck, it is only lukewarm inside. I know there is a lot of volume in this truck to heat up, but after 30 or 45 minutes of idling I guess i would have expected more from this 5.4.

Just wondering if you guys have any tips or suggestions or things that I might check out.

I'm no mechanic... so maybe this is to be expected with this truck, and I need to change my expectations instead?

Thanks,

-Michael

Nov 1, 2008 | 06:33 PM

alloro

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From: 0,0,1

Stick a thermometer in the vent and record the air temperature at various stages from initial starting to driving a few miles down the road. With 0 to -10 degrees it could take considerable time to heat everything up, so knowing the air temperature at the vent will be a big help in giving you some answers.

Nov 1, 2008 | 11:12 PM

Holo20

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Ok will do, thanks.

I've also been considering switching out for an electric fan, I'm thinking the engine would probably warm up faster if the radiator fan wasn't blowing cold air on it unnecessarily.

-Michael

Nov 2, 2008 | 12:09 PM

Slim Shady

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My dad used to put a piece of cardboard over the front of the radiator during those cold Wyoming winters. It seemed to help quite a bit, as it wasnt blowing air through the fins, so it ran a bit warmer. But if you try this, keep an eye on your temp. for a while to make sure it isnt getting too hot

Nov 2, 2008 | 06:41 PM

Holo20

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That is a good piece of advice, and thanks for mentioning it. Most folks around here do block off their front-ends, or maybe block off 1/2 or 3/4 of the radiator, to keep the engine and radiator from cooling down too much. Take -20 or -30 degrees and combine it with a 55mph (driving down the highway) wind, and you get quite a frosty wind-chill factor.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

-Michael

Nov 2, 2008 | 07:10 PM

madsonp

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From: Billings, Montana

Sounds like you might have the blend door issue also. Check out this link.
HeaterTreaterweb3

Nov 2, 2008 | 08:32 PM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Holo20

Take -20 or -30 degrees and combine it with a 55mph (driving down the highway) wind, and you get quite a frosty wind-chill factor.

FYI, that's a myth. There is no wind chill factor involved with cold temperatures and your vehicle's cooling system. The wind will cool it down faster, but it will never get colder than the surrounding air is.
Wind Chill