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Where do I put the cardboard?
Yahoo Message Number: 47250
We will be leaving for various points in Texas on 12/21 and returning to Wisconsin 2/1/05.  Last year we froze on the way back as it was -15 in Nebraska and Iowa.  I have invested in some insulation which should help, but would also like to help the engine stay warm while traveling by puting some cardboard in front of the radiator when we hit the cold(a common and effective measure here in the frozen tundra).  There are two radiator type devices behind the grill, one in front of the other. My question is, can I put the cardboard in front of both of them (the only thing that I can do fairly easily), or should I try and put it in between them, as the furthest back of the two is for the engine coolant.  Is the front one from the air conditioner, so not to be worried about at this time of the year, or is it cooling something that needs the cold air even in the winter?

I would appreciate help from anyone with northern experience.

Bob 1995 MB 460 Ford
Re: Where do I put the cardboard?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47255
Last year we froze on the way back as it was
 
Quote
-15 in Nebraska and Iowa.  I have invested in some insulation which should help, but would also like to help the engine stay warm while traveling by puting some cardboard in front of the radiator when we hit the cold(a common and effective measure here in the frozen tundra).  > I would appreciate help from anyone with northern experience.

Bob 1995 MB 460 Ford
Is your automotive under-the-dash heater/defroster working OK? What does the engine temperature guage show when it is really cold outside and you are underway?
 If you engine is getting up to normal operating temperature and your heater/defroster is working OK, my guess would be that you do not need to put any cardboard in front of the radiator.

If your engine is not getting up to normal temperature and your heater/defroster is not working it could be because the thermostat in the engine cooling system is stuck in the open position.  I had this problem one time in a Ford 351 van, and we froze underway on a ski trip.  Get that fixed if it is your problem. Only a $10 part.

If only passenger and driver, a suggestion to keep the cab area warmer underway is put a heavy blanket between cab area and living area.  Suggestions to keep living area warmer, put reflectix over the windows, insulting foam plugs and reflectix in roof vents, escape hatch and shower skylight.  If you have passengers in living area, I suppose one could run the furnace underway. I have never done that.

I think that the finned item in front of the radiator is probably part of automotive air conditioning system (but might also be engine oil cooler or an added transmission fluid cooler.)

Years ago I lived in cold climates, but I do not recall people blocking the radiator air flow with cardboard.  The big diesel trucks have those sheet metal panels that block part of the radiator.

We visit Canada where many cars have a plug-in 110 vac for engine block heater for overnight parking outside.  Years ago we would put a 60 watt bulb on the engine to keep it warm overnight.  I think modern cars have too much stuff around the engine to do that.

Have a great and warm trip.

Ken of Ken, Patty and daugter Stephanie in San Diego.
Re: Where do I put the cardboard?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47276
My question is, can I put the cardboard in
 
Quote
front of both of them (the only thing that I can do fairly easily), or should I try and put it in between them, as the furthest back of the two is for the engine coolant.  Is the front one from the air conditioner, so not to be worried about at this time of the year, or is it cooling something that needs the cold air even in the winter? > Bob 1995 MB 460 Ford
You should be able to tell if the front finned device is for the air conditioner by looking for a hose which connects it to the air conditioning compressor, which in turn is driven by a fan belt or serpentine belt.

Again I will say that I think cardboard is not necessary if your engine cooling system and heater/defroster are working properly.

My wife who grew up in Canada told me last night that putting cardboard in front of the radiator is fairly common though she could not tell me why: a)Maybe put in at night while parked to retain heat for starting in the morning?

I'm surprised that none of the automotive experts have chimed in on this.  I'm sure that there are forum members that would know. It would be a good topic for that Car Talk radio program with Bob and Ray Malyatchzey (sp).  I would call them except their program is not spontaneaous even though it sounds taht way.  Questions are screened at least one week in advance.

Ken of Ken, Patty  and daughter Stephanie in San Diego
 
Re: Where do I put the cardboard?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47290
Quote
You should be able to tell if the front finned device is for the air conditioner by looking for a hose which connects it to the air conditioning compressor, which in turn is driven by a fan belt or serpentine belt.

Again I will say that I think cardboard is not necessary if your engine cooling system and heater/defroster are working properly.

My wife who grew up in Canada told me last night that putting cardboard in front of the radiator is fairly common though she could not tell me why: a)Maybe put in at night while parked to retain heat for starting in the morning?

Ken of Ken, Patty  and daughter Stephanie in San Diego
Thanks for the input Ken.  I followed the compressor connection and the front most heat disipator is for the A/C so I should be OK with covering that if we hit very cold weather again.
 The cardboard is to slow the really cold air from blowing through the radiator.  It is the same principle that the trucks use with their "button-up" radiator covers.  I would watch my temp to make sure that I wasn't overheating.

Only 17 days to warm weather.  Now if we could hold off the snow until after we get south, that would be great, but too much to hope for.

Bob