Obtaining Winter Grill Cover

[compman72]

I will be traveling in the northern states this winter and being in the south - what is the best way to obtain a grill cover at no charge?

Is this something that needs to wait till its too late? Or just go out and buy one?

[rock_doctor]

You need to buy one. Only those truck sold in the cold states get them for free. Just search the part number on the web for the best price. You are shooting for a price in the 70-80s. 8C34-19A413-AA is the part number, you have to supply the part number if you go to your local dealer. In honesty, if you are just going to be in those states in passing and do not plan to stay long i would skip the winter cold front. Just go. See what others say. You may just not need it for short term traveling. You may be able to get away with a piece of plastic or what ever covering the grill attached to the hood (only). Seems a shame to spend that much money just for a couple days use.

[Hunter40]

I have to agree with rock doctor. Seems like a waste of 80 bucks if you're just passing through. My neighbor bought a new tv and I cut the box to be a little smaller than the grille. The box fits right behind the grille and even in the worst snow storms I haven't had a problem. Because I'm also a little vain, I spray painted the front facing side of the box so it's not even noticeable when it's in place. Sure beats the look of the big winter grille cover.

My$.02

Hunter40

[444-4D]

Why do you need to cover your grill?

[compman72]

Not a bad idea - a piece of cardboard and some wire ties would do the trick if needed.

Originally Posted by Hunter40

I have to agree with rock doctor. Seems like a waste of 80 bucks if you're just passing through. My neighbor bought a new tv and I cut the box to be a little smaller than the grille. The box fits right behind the grille and even in the worst snow storms I haven't had a problem. Because I'm also a little vain, I spray painted the front facing side of the box so it's not even noticeable when it's in place. Sure beats the look of the big winter grille cover.

My$.02

Hunter40

[compman72]

Snow packing of air filter/air induction:
If snow obstructs the air induction/air filter on the 2008 F-SuperDuty, there is a winter grill cover available to correct this problem. The cover is a customer purchase item, and must be installed as per the included instructions. The cover should be removed in temperatures above 50 degrees for normal driving, or 32 degrees when towing. Symptoms include a lack of power under acceleration and resticted air filter lamp illumination. Part number 8C34-19A413-AA. Broadcast Message 0284, 7323.

Originally Posted by 444-4D

Why do you need to cover your grill?

['08 F350 FX4]

Originally Posted by compman72

Snow packing of air filter/air induction:
If snow obstructs the air induction/air filter on the 2008 F-SuperDuty, there is a winter grill cover available to correct this problem. The cover is a customer purchase item, and must be installed as per the included instructions. The cover should be removed in temperatures above 50 degrees for normal driving, or 32 degrees when towing. Symptoms include a lack of power under acceleration and resticted air filter lamp illumination. Part number 8C34-19A413-AA. Broadcast Message 0284, 7323.

How does snow blowing in from the grill make it all the way back to the air filter which is located in front of the passenger side of the firewall (am I correct on this location?)? I understand that the grill cover will help the diesel engine run more efficiently during the cold days of winter by keeping temps up, but the snow in the air filter warnings just don't make any sense to me???

[klhansen]

Originally Posted by '08 F350 FX4

How does snow blowing in from the grill make it all the way back to the air filter which is located in front of the passenger side of the firewall (am I correct on this location?)?

You have obviously not spent much time where it's really cold and snowy.
Snow is still snow till the temp gets up above 32F, and since the engine is sucking in cold (below freezing) air, the filter isn't much warmer than what's coming in the grille. So the snow acts just like dirt, only it stays suspended in the air longer because it's less dense than dirt, and plugs the filter, posthaste.

I think you can get a cold front from Alaska Tent & Tarp in Anchorage for $40 or less.
Winter Fronts from Alaska Tent and Tarp

[jsmichael]

I can attest that blowing snow will make its way to the air filter and clog things up. This happened to me last winter. The "Check Air Filter" light went on and I was able to contact my Ford service person who told me what the deal was with the snow getting into the filter box.

After I got home I took the cover off the air filter box and pulled out a bunch of snow. Of course the filter itself was wet, so I pulled it out and left it inside the house to dry. I then took our other car to an auto parts store and purchased a Purolator air filter to use until the Motorcraft filter dried out.

So, if you don't get the Winter Grille Cover, then at least pick up a spare air filter as insurance.

[StanMI]

Winter cover really helps with how fast the truck warms up on those COLD Winter days. Never had the snow issue with the air filter when not using it (knock on wood) .

[Evo B]

The grill cover works great. I live in Ma and used it last winter for the first time and it really makes a difference with warm up times. Also it protects mainly your aftercooler, also all the other coolers up front, from all the sand and salt on the road from getting kicked up and lodged into everything. There is still the open area in the bumper cut out, but the cover helps alot.

And the snow finds its way into the air cleaner by way of a snorkle that comes out of the filter housing and runs along the inside of the fender and ends about 6 inches behind the headlight. If the snorkle was not there, much like a did on mine and made a custom set up, you would not have to worry about it.

[Stroked & Stoked]

If you're not going to install a cover carry a spare filter (hopefully one you bought somewhere on line rather than pay dealer retail price). My 2008 ingests light blowing snow like crazy. Before I learned my lesson I had the filter totally pack solid and spent big bucks at an out of town dealer for a replacement filter. Fords definition of snow country is pretty sad!