Hood Insulator Cleaning
 

My SVX had a massive powersteering leak that soaked my hood insulator. I have since gotten the leak fixed but since it's soaked in my insulator, i get a burning smell whenever i get out of the car.

I took the insulator out and tried cleaning it with degreasers and other cleaners. It still has a grease stain on it.

My question is, will the paint on my hood get damaged if i leave this out? what other problems will i get if i leave this off?

Thanks for your help
Clark

I believe the paint will eventually dull from the added heat. Also the engine will cool much quicker in the winter.

Also, don't use a pressure washer on it.

Would that be the voice of experience? ;)

I would say more likely the "echo" of experience. :)

Thanks for the info

Yeah that stuff falls apart pretty quickly if theres too much pressure. ive been letting it soak in the solution then i rinse it and try to soak up as much as i can with towels. It's going away, but it's taking forever. This will be my 5th time washing it. I might just have to pony up the $90 to get a new one if it doesn't completely go away after the 6th or 7th time

Re: Hood Insulator Cleaning
 

Just for reference, New hood insulator pads are still available. 90815PA000. About $100.00 each. Special order from Japan.

The 18 hood insulator clips that hold it in are the only ones that work. I tried 3 different clips from Subaru today for the hood insulator pad. The original ones for the SVX are the only ones that work. 90814AA000. About $1.90 each

They are a lot stronger and secure than the others. I think that is because the SVX insulator pad is significantly larger and heavier than with other Subarus. It has to hold up that weight against gravity when the hood is closed. The other clips don't have much pressure exerted on them and are used to keep plastic body parts aligned properly.

The other clips just press into the SVX holes and have just 4 tiny points of contact. They are easy to remove.

The originals actually clip in with a solid snap (think toggle bolt). They probably become brittle with age and heat over the years. I have yet to remove one intact.

The only reason to ever remove the clips is to replace the insulator pad.



These are the new style clips.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...1&d=1446255727



Here is the OEM clip. Designed for one-time use.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...1&d=1446255727

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...1&d=1446256282