Put a Champion 3 core radiator in this summer. My truck now seems to be having a hard time getting up to temp now that the highs aren't that much above freezing. I'm not sure my heater gauge is accurate, best guess is that I'm maxing out around 160-170 degrees with a 190 degree thermostat. Anyone else have this experience? I'm thinking about blocking off 1/4-1/3 of the radiator to see if this makes a difference. I'd really like to make the most of that fancy heater rebuild I did back in October.

Somebody in the club may have a temp gun you could check it with

cardboard is your freind

Been there and done that. I used to cover the radiator and cut out a 6x6 or so hole in the center to aid in warming up the Bronco. That was back in the 70's when I had a 302, 3 speed Bronco. Just have to watch the temp closely if you get on the highway because it might not be enough air moving through. I don't really have much problem with my current Bronco, it seems to warm up and stay around 170 to 180 in the winter temps.

Justin, like we talked, the cardboard is what I do. Would love to fab up some nice alum sheet that would have a window in it to slide for more or less flow. I think I could block mine off completely for highway driving, but would need to open it up for hard climbing or snow bashing. Been trying to find a good balance with my cardboard, but can't seem to find one.

J.D.

I had put some cardboard in before the run yesterday and it seemed to help. I ended up getting pretty warm on the way up the hill, so I pulled it for the trip down. I'm leery of doing too much more until I get a reliable temp sensor. Thanks for the info, all, good to hear I'm not the only one running into this.

Volvos back in the 60's had something like a roller shade and a little chain into the passenger compartment. A little grove to lock the chain and the shade was almost no different than a roller window shade. Pull the chain and the shade covers the radiator. And no I'm not pulling your chain.