placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

[the_sandman_454]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

Depending on how you look at a turbocharger/engine combination, either aftercooler or intercooler is correct. Aftercooler, assuming you consider the only compressor in the system to be the turbocharger could be correct. I consider the turbocharger/engine combination to be a two stage compressor. You have a rotary compressor (turbocharger), and a reciporicating compressor (the engine), and the interstage cooler is located between the turbo and the engine, or between stages in the compressor train.

Of course that's somewhat irrelevant.

Covering a radiator can be done, but if it is done, the operator needs to keep a somewhat close watch on operating temperature to make sure that doesn't get too high. A little airflow through it is not a bad choice just to be safe...

 

[AndyMA]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

With cold weather upon us, I read my New Holland manual for my TN70A. It mentions placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up and then remove the cover.

Does anyone do this?
Bob

Bob

I live in inland New England and many days it is below zero. I have never covered the radiator's in any of my tractors. Perhaps they run a little cool but the cab still gets nice and toasty on the TN.

Andy

 

[Doc_Bob]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

Bob

I live in inland New England and many days it is below zero. I have never covered the radiator's in any of my tractors. Perhaps they run a little cool but the cab still gets nice and toasty on the TN.

Andy

Okay, now I wish I had a cab!
Bob

 

[DmansPadge]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

A little airflow through it is not a bad choice just to be safe...

I agree. You could just block off 1/2 or 3/4 of the radiator to start with and monitor your conditions. If needed... you can always block off more.

 

[Ifixcars]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

We used to spend the fall putting winterfronts on the fleet of otr tractors we maintained. The big trucks would not come up temp too easily without them. But some of the drivers would forget to unzip them on long pulls upgrade, and overheat. The auto shutters sounded like a good idea, but did go out of style, I think they malfuntioned after they aged and caused problems. If you put on a radiator blocker, don't forget it's there when you really start to work your unit, or you might overheat.

 

[KICK]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

depending on brand I've heard em called aftercoolers, intercoolers, air to air after coolers and charge air coolers.

 

[KICK]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

whether you need a winterfront or cover on radiator depends on several factors like ambient temperature, air flow over radiator and whether fan is thermostatically controlled or direct drive, what kind of load machine will undergo

 

[TrippleT]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

Personally, I would be careful in covering just a part of the radiator. This causes the fan blades to flex and may cause breakage. Of course, I am sure many have gotten away with it for a long time. Just something to think about.

 

[ovrszd]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

We used to spend the fall putting winterfronts on the fleet of otr tractors we maintained. The big trucks would not come up temp too easily without them. But some of the drivers would forget to unzip them on long pulls upgrade, and overheat. The auto shutters sounded like a good idea, but did go out of style, I think they malfuntioned after they aged and caused problems. If you put on a radiator blocker, don't forget it's there when you really start to work your unit, or you might overheat.

Very good advice here. Be very, very careful when covering the radiator. You are setting yourself up for overheating the engine under varying conditions. It's done all the time but requires very close attention of the operator.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Re: placing a cover over the radiator before starting so that engine coolant can warm up

Very good advice here. Be very, very careful when covering the radiator. You are setting yourself up for overheating the engine under varying conditions. It's done all the time but requires very close attention of the operator.

Good advice. I will be doing it in freezing weather only and watch the temp gauge like a "hawk"! Do you think that would work?
Bob