Is this the right way to block the radiator

georgekessel · 12-24-2006, 11:07 PM

I couldn't get a straight or clear answer to my questions so I had to make a new post.

Is this the right way to block the radiator so that it won't run the motor as much trying to give me heat?

I put some tubing in the lower grille (see pic)

Thanks,

Josh

**efusco** · 12-24-2006, 11:14 PM

I would preferentially block the top grill if I were you. Did you look at the thread where several of us posted pictures of our grill blocks? There are a couple techniques available. Yours is fine, but like I said, I think you're better off starting with the top. When temps are below 30 you can also block the bottom.

Remember that the top 3/4 of the grill is where the ICE coolant flows. The bottom 1/4 is where the coolant for the Inverter flows. Keeping the ICE warm is good, keeping the inverter warm can have adverse effects...though that's not too likely to happen unless it's quite hot out.

You didn't mention if you have CAN-View or Scan-Gage to monitor ICE/Inverter temps...that's a factor as well, IMO, as to how much grill you should block at what temps.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-24-2006, 11:17 PM

Looks like I was right. On a black car it blends right in. Can you post a picture in the daylight so we can get a proper look at it.

Initially, it looks good and I agree with Evan about doing the top.

georgekessel · 12-24-2006, 11:34 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Dec 24 2006, 08:17 PM) [snapback]366434[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Looks like I was right. On a black car it blends right in. Can you post a picture in the daylight so we can get a proper look at it.

Initially, it looks good and I agree with Evan about doing the top.
[/b]

Ah, no I did not see your guys post - only a description in the other posts!

My mileage has really shot up. I think the issue I am having here is excessive rain - water going in an cooling off the radiators. My mileage was down to 35mpg! I just did the same trip and experienced 49mpg.

I'll pick up more insulation when the stores reopen and block the top vents as suggested with 1" insulation. Right now I think the stuff I have is too thick to get in there properly but it does help!

**Tideland Prius** · 12-25-2006, 03:10 AM

where'd you get the insulation? Rona's? Home Depot?

JimboK · 12-25-2006, 10:05 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ecojosh @ Dec 24 2006, 11:34 PM) [snapback]366437[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I think the issue I am having here is excessive rain - water going in an cooling off the radiators.
[/b]

Rain also increases rolling resistance. Your car works harder to plow through water on the roadway.

georgekessel · 12-25-2006, 10:20 AM

The insulation was stuff I had pre-cut for my SMART Car AC Lines (it makes the AC blow colder on that vehicle). I never installed it so I figured I'd use it for the Prius for now and get new stuff by next summer.

On Tuesday I hope the hardware stores will be open so I can pick up some of that smaller 1" pipe insulation and complete the vehicle.

I know that rain decreased gas mileage but I think the rain also cools off the motor/radiator and causes it to run more. 35mpg is just pathetic when you're trying to get good mileage. My SMART usually gets 75-80mpg!

12-24-2006, 11:07 PM	#1
georgekessel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 126 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I couldn't get a straight or clear answer to my questions so I had to make a new post. Is this the right way to block the radiator so that it won't run the motor as much trying to give me heat? I put some tubing in the lower grille (see pic) Thanks, Josh Attached Thumbnails

12-24-2006, 11:14 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,709 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 26	I would preferentially block the top grill if I were you. Did you look at the thread where several of us posted pictures of our grill blocks? There are a couple techniques available. Yours is fine, but like I said, I think you're better off starting with the top. When temps are below 30 you can also block the bottom. Remember that the top 3/4 of the grill is where the ICE coolant flows. The bottom 1/4 is where the coolant for the Inverter flows. Keeping the ICE warm is good, keeping the inverter warm can have adverse effects...though that's not too likely to happen unless it's quite hot out. You didn't mention if you have CAN-View or Scan-Gage to monitor ICE/Inverter temps...that's a factor as well, IMO, as to how much grill you should block at what temps. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD Seaside 04BC9/OEM EVb/NAV & auto-BT/XM Radio, CAN-View, Shark Fin, BT Stiff. Plate, Skid Plate & Strut Support

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12-24-2006, 11:17 PM	#3
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,644 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 18	Looks like I was right. On a black car it blends right in. Can you post a picture in the daylight so we can get a proper look at it. Initially, it looks good and I agree with Evan about doing the top.

12-25-2006, 03:10 AM	#5
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 14,192 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 12	where'd you get the insulation? Rona's? Home Depot?

12-25-2006, 10:20 AM	#7
georgekessel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 126 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The insulation was stuff I had pre-cut for my SMART Car AC Lines (it makes the AC blow colder on that vehicle). I never installed it so I figured I'd use it for the Prius for now and get new stuff by next summer. On Tuesday I hope the hardware stores will be open so I can pick up some of that smaller 1" pipe insulation and complete the vehicle. I know that rain decreased gas mileage but I think the rain also cools off the motor/radiator and causes it to run more. 35mpg is just pathetic when you're trying to get good mileage. My SMART usually gets 75-80mpg!