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low running temps

4K views 32 replies 14 participants last post by  cessna150 
#1 ·
tranny runs 125*
engine runs 185*

think i need to partially block the front end?

summer time is Ok, 200* engine and 160* tranny..
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#2 ·
I have the same issues with my truck. The cooler tranny temps I am okay with but I am seeing on average 176 degree coolant temps since the ambient temp dropped. My truck will dip into the upper 160s on occasion and struggle to get back up. So far I have tried a little longer warm up in the morning and even started plugging her in but I still have the same issues. I just picked up a stock winterfront and I am going to run it on the grill to see if I can bring those temps up.
 
#5 ·
Alright. We are supposed to have lows in the mid-twenties and highs in the mid-forties this week. Its not real cold but I should see increased operating temperatures.
 
#4 ·
Being here in the Pacific NW, I run a winter front when tems drop down to 55 and lower. I made my own from a BBQ grill cover from Wal-Mart ($15). Its 15 miles to work and she warms up quite a bit quicker.

Two weeks ago I went on an hunting trip over Tonasket WA, 600 miles round trip. Ran the grill cover the entire time, no trailer, 65 mph average speed on I90. Coolant temps 185-220. IAT 100-140, 130-140 going over Tiger, Snoqualmie, and Blewett passes. Fan kicked on a few times for a mile or so. Coming back half way up Snoqualmie it kicked on for a few miles...pulled over and opened up the transcooler holes and it never came on againg. 21 mpg average on winter blend diesel.
 
#8 ·
ive never looked..i bought mine new...in fact on another diesel site i talked to a guy that worked at the chevy truck plant..he told me when my truck went down the line..that was coOl.
 
#9 · (Edited)
IIRC the Duramax manual says the grille cover doesnt need to be on unless its 0F or colder.
I myself put my cover on when its in the low 20s-low teens.

The grille cover is a standard/required option on all truck orders with the following ship to locations: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, Idaho, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan, Colorado and New York.

Otherwise its an available option thats added.
 
#10 ·
yea i gotta find my winterfront as well
 
#11 ·
The winterfront is a great way to keep from losing as much MPG too....

I put my "FIA" brand winterfront on when temps drop below 50f and it works like a charm. More even engine temps, better mpg, faster warmup/cab heat, keeps salt spray out of the radiator,etc.
It's a very good thing for the truck in the winter.

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#14 ·
I put the FIA winterfront on my truck around 45 degrees. I keep the vents open till freezing temps. It helps and here is the data I have collected. Numbers from my edge.

OAT of 45 degrees
No winterfront. Engine temp is 180 and never gets higher or lower by 5 degrees. Unless I get stuck in traffic idling for extended time, then it won’t keep warm.
Winterfront on and vents open- 190 +- 5degrees 99% of the time.

OAT of 30 degrees
No winterfront, 160 to 170 degrees driving. MPG drop

winterfront on and closed flaps , 180-190 degrees about 15MPG on winter diesel. A 2MPG drop from summer running is what I plan on.

I REALLY like the FIA winterfront because of the vents and the screen protector for summer use. I dislike the sticky buttons but if I ever attach the button with screws like recommended I bet I would like that better.

I have found that the vents help with MPG. I watch my intake temp and coolant temps I open the vent to yield the warmest coolant temp with the coldest intake air temp. The vent seem to effect the intercooler temps whenever you can open them. If I am making a long run, I open the vent about a hour in, the engine is warm soaked enough to keep warm and with the vents open it helps to provide cool air to the intake.
 
#12 ·
So this is normal, don't need to do thermostats? If they were working correctly it would have to get a lot colder than 45-50 degrees to notice an operating temp difference, wouldn't it? It will take a little longer to get there, but operating temp should be the same as summer. My first duramax, don't know all the quirks, if I need to just get a winter front that's what I will do!


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#13 ·
Mine ran at 167-169 before putting new thermostats in it. Now it runs 181-185 all day. I'd say you're fine
 
#19 ·
So many winterfront posts coming up now..lol. I run mine when it starts staying below 35F or so. Helps with mpg and getting head in the cab. I do notice a big mpg drop when the truck is running below 175 or so. I also have the bumper cover for mine, i haven't had to run that. i would love to to keep my bumper and chrome from getting beat in the winter but it heats up the tranny too much.
 
#20 ·
I had the 1 piece cover that coverd the grille & bottom bumper opening. I had that problem where snow would build up in the air box & the dealer gave me A air lid with holes drilled in it & a grille cover. Service writer advise me not use the old 1 piece cover because the trans temp gets to hot.
 
#25 ·
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up what solved my problem. I swapped out the Thermostats in my truck and it immediately held 181 degrees so that might be the place to start if you are having trouble with your operating temps.


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#27 ·
Was one stuck open?


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#28 ·
Where mine is running now, don't matter if it's idling, driving, or hauling. Going to change out the thermostat

 
#29 ·
sounds like the problem huh?? guess ill get a thermostat asap....brand?? cause when i changed the one in my s-10 was told to buy a certain brand.......but that was years ago..
 
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