[suspectnumber961]

With my 03 Focus I have an upper grill block and 3 removable clip-on blocks for the lower grill for use in winter....which vary the opening. I also use a plywood front "pan" to streamline and divert air under the engine.

I aim for over 200F coolant temp from the readout on a Scangauge...which I always monitor. I also installed an LED to indicate when the coolant fan runs. With the Focus...the coolant fan comes on at 233F and goes off at 222F. Temp very rarely gets above 233F...before going down.

Have run this way for maybe 2 yrs or so. Am somewhat concerned by the heat under the hood causing cooling hose failures...the newer hose materials will not show deterioration...the rubber and fabric will just get weak to the point of failure....heat is the enemy. The LED indicator will give me a chance at least to avert disaster.

IF a hose goes...you won't see steam...since it will blow back behind you. How do I know...had this happen with a couple of cars...head gasket time...at a minimum.

In summer...I sometimes have the fan come on in town in slow traffic. Will be removing a strip of foam tape under the front edge of the hood to enable a bit more fresh air intake this summer.