Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxl.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!floyd!harpo!ihnp4!ihuxl!seifert
From: seifert@ihuxl.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Cardboard-on-the-grille
Message-ID: <856@ihuxl.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 24-Jan-84 09:15:43 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxl.856
Posted: Tue Jan 24 09:15:43 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 07:01:25 EST
References: <350@ihuxa.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 29

Cardboard (or whatever) over the grill does indeed help the
engine warm up faster,at least in the case of a poor design. 
Yes, you need to take it back off when the weather warms up again.
Our '59 Ford was so bad, we rigged up a permanent solution
in the form of canvas that we could lower in front of the
radiator, with a resolution of 1/4 radiator.  As the temp
went up or down, canvas got added or removed.  This worked 
very nicely.  Semi trucks are often seen with some sort
of material over the grill, with a zipper up the middle
for adjustment.  If you want to really go crazy, servo
adjusted venetian blinds spring to mind.

Many newer and better designs do not require this garbage.
If the thermostat does it's job, there won't be any coolant
going thru the radiator until the engine warms up, so blocking
the grill won't make any difference. (Other than reducing the
air flowing through the engine compartment, which does cool
the engine to some extent.)

If you decide to try this, please check your owner's manual.
Mine says not to block the grill.  The car warms up quite
fast with the grill open, so there's no real need, anyway.

-- 
		_____
	       /_____\		from the flying doghouse of
	      /_______\			Snoopy
		|___|	
	    ____|___|_____	    ihnp4!ihuxl!seifert