Radiator Grill Cover

[CNYJeeper]

Has anyone used a product to cover some/most of the radiator or grill to keep engine temperature up??

On both my 97 (6cyl) & 99 (4cyl) we've had some cold weather in central NY and they both never made it past the tick-mark between 100 & 210. I'm guessing that's about 155-degrees or so. Outside temperature was about -9 or so and never made it past 5 all day. Anyway, the heater was BARELY blowing lukewarm air. Both have new cores (2020 & 2021).

They both act similarly until the outside temps reach mid-20s or higher.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I haven't done it on my TJ but it "should" help as a TEMPORARY fix to make it run warmer. The product I used 30 some yrs ago was a folded up cardboard box.

Do the new heater cores give more heat above the mid-20s?

 

[pagrey]

I think a company called Fia makes them for the TJ. I've seen them on a JK but never a TJ. I think their site is gofia.com and WF929-19 shows up for my Jeep. I'd call before you order.

 

[CNYJeeper]

I haven't done it on my TJ but it "should" help as a TEMPORARY fix to make it run warmer. The product I used 30 some yrs ago was a folded up cardboard box.

Do the new heater cores give more heat above the mid-20s?

Thanks.

Thought about a cardboard box, but was afraid it would just disintegrate with the snow and road salt and rain constantly bombarding it.


Yes, they give more heat. Assuming it's just that really cold air is moving through the radiator fins.

 

[MountaineerTom]

My best friend was stationed in Alaska for a time in the 90's. He said he used cardboard too.

 

[pagrey]

Cardboard is fine for a couple of days but not a long term solution. If you are dealing with these temperatures regularly you'll be happy with a real blanket.