Diesel bumper cutouts, Important?

[RLC2020]

Just purchased a '99 2500 suburban with the 6.5L. The previous owner installed a set of fog lights in the bumper cutouts. Although they work great and look cool, should I remove them? I understand cooling is a big issue with these diesels, I don't plan to tow anything very heavy with this truck, but 90% of the cutout is blocked by these lights, should I remove them to allow air flow again?


Also, going to do my first oil change, recommendations for brand/viscosity and filter?

TYIA

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Drunkcanuk]

If you are not finding it overheating, I wouldn't worry. But if you're always towing, maybe an issue.

 

[pressureangle]

Yours should have the dual thermostat water outlet and big plastic fan, you'll have no worries. I just came back to Florida from North Georgia, towed 3500lbs going up and about 2000lbs coming back, never saw over 200* (on the gauge, whatevs lol) and instantly cooled back to 180* when the boost got back under about 8psi. Mine has the big fan but single thermostat; exhaust temps never even got to 800*. Those bumper cutouts don't really contribute to cooling anyway.
oh yeah, got ~14.2mpg going up and ~15.1 coming back.

FWIW I use Shell Rotella T6 in mine with Baldwin filters.
Here's some good reading about fuel additives to protect your pump.

Info: - Lubricity Additive Study Results

The following are the preliminary results of a research study on diesel fuel Lubricity Additives. There is likely to be further commentary and explanation added at a future time. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to determine the ability of multiple diesel fuel additives to...

www.dieselplace.com

 

[RLC2020]

Thank you both for the advise, I'll leave them for now and keep an eye on the gauge. I've only ran it on the highway once bringing it home about an hour away and it stayed cool 180* the entire trip doing about 75mph.

 

[someotherguy]

Those cutouts are usually accompanied by some ductwork. If he removed the ductwork to install the foglights, then they aren't going to contribute much regardless of foglight blockage.

Richard