djmcfall
Member
Over the years with the Idaho State Police we would over heat the engine while running code with the AC on in the hot summer temps. Some times it required an engine over haul if the trooper did not get it cooled down in time. Further inspection revealled the radiator filled with bugs and weeds from crossing the median with the tall dry grass. Here is what we did to fix the problem, once and for all.
Go to Lowes and purchase a roll of 3 ft wide aluminum screen. Measure from the top of the radiator to the lower cross member below the radiator, then add a couple inches. Use your old scissors, or buy a pair of the mechanic scissors at Harbor Frieght for about a buck, and cut a length of screen from your roll. After you have mounted the siren speaker, led lights, and/or other items in the grill area route the screen from the top down, trying to stay in front of the speaker, and out the bottom in front of the radiator. Using either factory screws and brackets, tie wraps, or your own screws with washers, secure the screen in place. Normally one screen will last the cycle of the vehicle, but if it does not and gets torn up, just replace it with another sheet of screen. The screen will rarely require cleaning, as the bugs and weeds will just fall down in time, or when you go through the car wash the debrie will be washed off. The radiator will remain clear of this debrie for the life of the vehicle. The good news is that the screen will restrict very little air flow. We have tested this and trust me, the reduction in air flow does not even come close to the restriction a radiator full of cheet grass exhibits. Installers can do this for little $ as after you do a couple it will only take about ten minutes to do, while you have the front opened up for the install. It may save the department $5K down the road for a rebuilt engine exchange. Good luck. Doug
Go to Lowes and purchase a roll of 3 ft wide aluminum screen. Measure from the top of the radiator to the lower cross member below the radiator, then add a couple inches. Use your old scissors, or buy a pair of the mechanic scissors at Harbor Frieght for about a buck, and cut a length of screen from your roll. After you have mounted the siren speaker, led lights, and/or other items in the grill area route the screen from the top down, trying to stay in front of the speaker, and out the bottom in front of the radiator. Using either factory screws and brackets, tie wraps, or your own screws with washers, secure the screen in place. Normally one screen will last the cycle of the vehicle, but if it does not and gets torn up, just replace it with another sheet of screen. The screen will rarely require cleaning, as the bugs and weeds will just fall down in time, or when you go through the car wash the debrie will be washed off. The radiator will remain clear of this debrie for the life of the vehicle. The good news is that the screen will restrict very little air flow. We have tested this and trust me, the reduction in air flow does not even come close to the restriction a radiator full of cheet grass exhibits. Installers can do this for little $ as after you do a couple it will only take about ten minutes to do, while you have the front opened up for the install. It may save the department $5K down the road for a rebuilt engine exchange. Good luck. Doug