Trash on the Radiator

[Blade]

Had a friend raise my C5 up on his lift to install the CAGS bypass. Was inspecting the underside of the car and noticed a plastic cup, leaves and grass stuck up in the top of the radiator area. This is the open area above your front air damn.

Took a stick and gently removed the trash.

Has anyone else noticed things collecting in this area?

I will start checking it during the oil changes and turn a waterhose up into this area when washing the car.

 

[Blade]

Has anyone tried this protective screen?


http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/shop_online/prod_detail.cfm?id=1658

 

[Wolfmanjohn]

That's pretty standard experience to find a bunch of trash up there where you did. I vacuum that area during every oil change.

If you are going to put a hose up there when washing the car, I might recommend you first blow compressed air through the fins to get the dust and dirt out of the condenser and radiator. Otherwise, when the water hits it, it will turn to mud, and that will impede the flow of air far more than a little trash would!

And, yes, during my next WCC shopping spree, I plan to order one of those screens. I'm sure I'll have an opinion to offer up at that time, but right now, it looks like a good thing to install. Just wait 'till you suck a plastic bag up there! Not a pleasant surprise!

 

[Dellboy]

A friend of mine installed one and swears by it I never had any trash get caught up there yet but I will install one better safe than sorry

 

[SleepieAce]

Common problem. I check mine every oil change. You can actually make one of those screens for yourself with some gutter screen from Home Depot and a couple screws and some ingenuity.

 

[Wisdom]

Looking at a picture of one of the screens a few weeks back it looked like there was quite a bit of material between the holes. I would think that the amount of air getting directed to the radiator would be reduced because of that unintentional 'blockage.' Has anyone ever assessed the airflow differences between a screened vehicle and an un-screened vehicle?


- Wisdom

 

[Wolfmanjohn]

Can't say that I have, but I think you may have a valid concern there. I might compare the effect of the screen to what a billet grille might do to radiator airflow on an SUV. Any SUV owners out there with a billet style grille notice any differences in operating temps or AC performance?

 

[GKrenn]

I installed speed grills on my Dakota R/T. I didn't see any changes in the temp gauge after the install.