Cowl Cleanout

[sgtsandman]

Maybe some flashing and pop rivets? Clean the area up as best you can, preform the flashing as best you can to conform to the contours, coat the flashing with acrylic RTV (paintable), drill holes for the rivets, install with a dab of RTV, and maybe prime and paint.

That’s how I’ve done some repairs in the past but they were much more accessible than working in the cowl area.

 

[sgtsandman]

I was thinking about this the other day for my 87. I was contemplating removing the factory "resistor" wound wires and resistance testing them, and then replacing them with actual resistors meant for electronics.. I'm not sure how viable this is, but it would reduce a major fire hazard for these old trucks.

The only possible issue is that the coils are done so they can radiate the generated heat better. Regular resistors might get to hot and burn out. I’ve seen resistor blocks that had a finned cover in the past. That might work better, assuming you can find one that fits the hole.

 

[Curious Hound]

I was thinking about this the other day for my 87. I was contemplating removing the factory "resistor" wound wires and resistance testing them, and then replacing them with actual resistors meant for electronics.. I'm not sure how viable this is, but it would reduce a major fire hazard for these old trucks.

Not a great idea. Resistors are not only rated by resistance. They are also rated by wattage. Putting a resistor designed for smaller wattage could actually cause a fire. It will get hot and possibly blow open like a fuse or light bulb.

 

[Floridacatfan]

Maybe some flashing and pop rivets? Clean the area up as best you can, preform the flashing as best you can to conform to the contours, coat the flashing with acrylic RTV (paintable), drill holes for the rivets, install with a dab of RTV, and maybe prime and paint.

That’s how I’ve done some repairs in the past but they were much more accessible than working in the cowl area.

thx for some feedback - at least I think I’m going in the right direction - I’m going to use something I’ve never used POS 15 to stop the corrosion after cleaning up and I found a piece of 6x12 stainless that only .018 thick - I think I’m gonna need to remove the brake pedal also to access / it’s a nightmare. I’m not sure about the sealant selection - I gotta give myself the best chance for success

thx for your feedback - it’s tough

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Not a great idea. Resistors are not only rated by resistance. They are also rated by wattage. Putting a resistor designed for smaller wattage could actually cause a fire. It will get hot and possibly blow open like a fuse or light bulb.

Resistors that large would likely be a ceramic based type. All they're doing is limiting current to slow down the fan. Not much to the process in my opinion.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Resistors that large would likely be a ceramic based type. All they're doing is limiting current to slow down the fan. Not much to the process in my opinion.

Well you will be the first to know

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Well you will be the first to know

I still wouldn't mount them inside the blower housing...

 

[Curious Hound]

I strongly recommend sticking with OEM style resistor package.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I strongly recommend sticking with OEM style resistor package.

You realize that now you're making me want to change them even more...

 

[Uncle Gump]

They sure do develop a bunch of heat... there is a reason they put them in the blower housing. Constant air flow to keep them cool.

I would think you would need a heat sink with some cooling fins in a place that will get some good air flow.