jeepin48
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Now that summer is here, it is clear that the Diesel Gladiators will get hot if you push them ( towing ), and a LOT of us are pissed about it. Before I sell mine I want to do everything I can to see if I can make something work.
We have all heard FCA mention that the 3.0L was limited by its cooling and that is likely because they were not going to redesign the front end. Once I started dissecting mine it was clear there are plenty of issues with this current setup.
First off all the bottom 6" of the radiator is blocked by the plastic bumper.
Second, the horns should go somewhere else. Why block perfectly good airflow
Third, there are multiple types of grills that may help air flow. The Overland and Rubicon grills have decorative bezels that narrow the slots. The Sports and black grill option have narrow slots which adds 15% area.
The next hot day I get I am going to do a 30 mile out and back trip and document my Engine Coolant, Oil Temp, Trans Temp, and add another thermocouple under the hood somewhere. I will be towing my 5600 lb camper and try to hold 70mph.
Test 1 - Remove the grill completely and compare.
Test 2 - If changes were not significant I will add to it by cracking the hood open with spacers and straps to hold it in place. Hopefully it will allow more air movement around the engine.
From here I think the results will determine if grill modifications or hood vends will do anything and what the best case scenario would be. If either work I will consider removing the front bumper.
To get an idea of "best case" I would say start looking at the RAM eco diesel forums. They have much bigger radiators and the engine is basically the same. If they are doing well and not having towing issues than maybe we can hope for that. If they are also struggling with overheating while towing than it will be a sign to sell and move on
.
I would like to keep this thread solution based if possible so if you have any ideas, lets get testing.
We have all heard FCA mention that the 3.0L was limited by its cooling and that is likely because they were not going to redesign the front end. Once I started dissecting mine it was clear there are plenty of issues with this current setup.
First off all the bottom 6" of the radiator is blocked by the plastic bumper.
Second, the horns should go somewhere else. Why block perfectly good airflow
Third, there are multiple types of grills that may help air flow. The Overland and Rubicon grills have decorative bezels that narrow the slots. The Sports and black grill option have narrow slots which adds 15% area.
The next hot day I get I am going to do a 30 mile out and back trip and document my Engine Coolant, Oil Temp, Trans Temp, and add another thermocouple under the hood somewhere. I will be towing my 5600 lb camper and try to hold 70mph.
Test 1 - Remove the grill completely and compare.
Test 2 - If changes were not significant I will add to it by cracking the hood open with spacers and straps to hold it in place. Hopefully it will allow more air movement around the engine.
From here I think the results will determine if grill modifications or hood vends will do anything and what the best case scenario would be. If either work I will consider removing the front bumper.
To get an idea of "best case" I would say start looking at the RAM eco diesel forums. They have much bigger radiators and the engine is basically the same. If they are doing well and not having towing issues than maybe we can hope for that. If they are also struggling with overheating while towing than it will be a sign to sell and move on
.I would like to keep this thread solution based if possible so if you have any ideas, lets get testing.
Sponsored
Last edited:
