Radiator Foam Air Blocker thingie

The foam that goes between the top of my radiator and the front of the car was basically dust, so I ripped it out. I realize this probably allows air to go OVER the radiator instead of through it, so I was wondering what people have done to replace it.

- Ca$h

You could get another strip of foam, perhaps with a sticky edge. In a pinch, what about duct tape stretched the length of the divide? Just a thought...

[sfsvx]

Self-adhesive foam weatherstripping from your local home improvement store?

Hrm. I think the adhesive foam might do.

>finds an excuse to drive the SVX<

- Ca$h

[Aredubjay]

There is one of those at the top and at the bottom of the radiator. Yes, by all means, go to your HI store and get comparable width of foam. The OE strips are about ten bucks apiece. And, you are correct in your assumption that it blocks the hot engine air from being recirculated through the radiator.

[oab_au]

There is also some up the sides of the radiator, to block the air going through there.

Harvey.

[svx_commuter]

That foam only makes a difference when your sitting in traffic and the fan kicks in. The foam prevents the hot air from circulating back to the radiator. This forces outside cooler air through the radiator.

I am not aware of any foam or air blocking on the side of the radiator but I have added to my car.

I have used that pipe insulation from Home Depot for the sides and bottom. It is a closed cell foam and about 2.5" in the OD and comes in 8 foot lengths. It is very good for filling in the large spaces on the sides of the radiator and at the bottom.

For the top I used the foam available for double hung windows when an air conditioner is installed. Crams in real nicely between the frame and radiator.

It might also be a good idea to clean out all that dirt and salt around the foam in the spring time

Harvey? Your SVX has foam up the sides of the radiator?

[oab_au]

Originally posted by svx_commuter
That foam only makes a difference when your sitting in traffic and the fan kicks in. The foam prevents the hot air from circulating back to the radiator. This forces outside cooler air through the radiator.

I am not aware of any foam or air blocking on the side of the radiator but I have added to my car.

I have used that pipe insulation from Home Depot for the sides and bottom. It is a closed cell foam and about 2.5" in the OD and comes in 8 foot lengths. It is very good for filling in the large spaces on the sides of the radiator and at the bottom.

For the top I used the foam available for double hung windows when an air conditioner is installed. Crams in real nicely between the frame and radiator.

It might also be a good idea to clean out all that dirt and salt around the foam in the spring time

Harvey? Your SVX has foam up the sides of the radiator?

Yes John, It's up the sides too. It's a 95 RHD, but I don't think the model makes any difference.

The sealing up of the front plays a part in the cooling. In that the under side of the car, produces a low pressure area, that is connected to the engine compartment. It's this low pressure, that increases the air flow through the heat exchangers in the front. If the foam has gone, the air leaks around them. Low pressure inside, high pressure outside. The faster the car goes the better the cooling.

As we all know, this car was designed to run fast.

Harvey.

[svx_commuter]

Hi Harvey,

I think that on most of the 92's the foam has all rotted away I will have to check mine out again and see if I got it all sealed up. I think I left out that piece at the bottom of the radiator. The under cover has to come out to put it in.