Very nice. I'm working on illuminating the radiator cutouts, and this might actually help to secure it. After 7 years was it torn at all in the Patriot?

 

Surprising not torn at all! Maybe beacause it was aluminum window screen?? I never removed it or anything. Would just hose off at car wash when I saw bugs on it.


I got quite a good resale price for the Patriot, likely not all because of the radiator, but the person commented on how there was not even one little ding or blemish on it. 0

 

Great idea! My radiator/condenser area is already showing wear at 28k miles. I should've done this a year ago...

 

That is a good idea...perhaps I'll do that

 

Hmm...My new TH will likely be getting this, thanks!

 

My only concern would be if it might impede the air flow just enough to make the engine get hotter than normal. I like to keep bugs out of my radiator too so I may go ahead and try it and wash the bugs off really regular--does sound like a great idea.

 

That screen will negatively impact airflow. The cooling area is reduced by the ratio of the wire to the open area. Would not want to do that in the summer heat. Just sayin'

 

Actually I used mine under summer heat for years. Keep in mind you can buy these commercially too.

If the radiator fins get damaged by debris and fill up with insects you will be in the same boat.

 

Radiators have been exposed to insects and other debris for years on every vehicle. Bugs and the like are easily washed off with a hose and/or decompose and if not minimally affect airflow in a localized area. A screen effects airflow over the entire area. The screen effectively reduces the cooling area. The existing mesh in the 7 slot hood and lower fascia are an engineering compromise between protection and airflow.

 

We will need to agree, to disagree. Between the little rocks, road debris, and insects our radiators get pretty banged up with bent fins and plugged with debris/bugs. Unfortunately no hose can fix that, hence the screen.

They are pretty common to buy around here and never heard of it restricting air flow enough to cause an overheat situation. Maybe if you run into a swarm of butterflies?

 

Unless the outside air temperature is really high and towing I wouldn't worry about engine overheating. I would worry about premature engine cooling fan motor wear because the fan will be required to run more.







What you will notice on hot day is reduced a/c performance since the condenser (which is in front of the radiator) will receive less air. On hot days the a/c compressor head pressure will run high since the condenser will not be rejecting heat fast enough which may take its toll on compressor life. Replacing a a/c compress will not be cheap.







My company makes radiator and a/c condensers and we do see significant stone impact damage in warranty returns. Chrysler will often deny warranty claims for stone impact damage. Most of the damage we see is in the lower section closer to the road surface so maybe a good compromise would be to protect cooling components in the bottom half only.







Do not use compressed air or power washers to clean radiator and condensers or fin damage will result. Only use low pressure water to wash salt from the components and do it often during winter. Corrosion will reduce capacity of the heat exchanges more than anything else as fins will start to disappear.

 

If one were concernedabout the bright aluminum showing through the slots, you could always lightly spray it with black paint or plasti-dip though that might further restrict air flow.

Also, a lot of air flow also comes from under the front of the car that effectively helps to cool the radiator.

 

Don't see the need for this myself.
I've owned over 65 cars, never had a problem with bugs or debri effecting my radiator.
I just hose it off a couple times a year.

 

Nice project! Thanks for sharing!

 

BTW....if you hose off your radiator don't use a HARD spray, you "can' bend the fins......I just use a garden hose with no nozzle and my thumb for stubborn BIG bugs/debri.

 

I wish I lived somewhere with no bugs.

 

i wish i would be finally warm enough to even have bugs......