First Morning with a Blocked Grill

[KS_prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Dec 19 2006, 03:00 PM) [snapback]364208[/snapback]</div>

Can anyone post some pics of your installation? Just wondering what it looks like and how everything is attached.
[/b]

I second the request for pics (whether they be cosmetically satisfying or aesthetically appealing)

Thanks!

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KS_prius @ Dec 19 2006, 12:54 PM) [snapback]364234[/snapback]</div>

I second the request for pics (whether they be cosmetically satisfying or aesthetically appealing)

Thanks! [/b]

Ok, 3rd try, not sure why I can't get the post to show up....
Note that my install is a bit different than what Tony described. I did not cut/split the insulation, just cut the pieces to length. The top is wrapped around the center 'guard' of the upper grill and secured with zip ties that probably aren't really necessary. The bottom part I wedged one edge in the top slit and the other edge in the bottom slit and it stays there nicely with friction alone. Note, also, that I cut a little slit for the EBH cord to exit.



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Dec 19 2006, 12:50 PM) [snapback]364231[/snapback]</div>

As for above when this is beneficial, I'm not recommending that another bother unless they routinely deal with sub 25 F tempertures. MPG and the heater have been quite good when it's warmer than that. There doesn't appear to be any real gain unless it's Minnesota cold.
[/b]

I strongly disagree with that I can see clear benefit with temps even in the 40s and low 50s. ICE temp is much more stable, ICE on % stays lower, and both 5 minute bar and per mile MPG are clearly higher even at those more moderate temps.

I reiterate my above temp. limits for blocking upper alone/both grills esp. if you do not have instrumentation to monitor the temps, but the benefits are clear. When the EBH is added I can be up to 150 degrees ICE temp within 1/4-1/2 mile and maintain it my entire commute. Prior to grill blocking, even with EBH, I would have to go 2+ miles, in the city, before getting the ICE temp to stay over 150, and even then a long glide or long stop at a light could drop it down to the 130s within a few minutes sometimes forcing the ICE to run even while stopped with a good battery SOC.

[TonyPSchaefer]

I"m going to have to take some photos at home.

Evans installation looks nothing like mine and wayne's.

[chimohio]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Dec 19 2006, 05:53 PM) [snapback]364338[/snapback]</div>

I"m going to have to take some photos at home.

Evans installation looks nothing like mine and wayne's.
[/b]

Thanks - I couldn't figure it out either based on what you said about using the pipe insulation.

[Charles Suitt]

I'm a bit puzzled. Is the Prius ICE coolant thermostat inadequate to maintain an appropriate operating temperature regardless of the OAT? In Dallas TX, its possible we will have some short periods of 30º and some years down to ~10º, but generally our winter temps are relatively mild.

These solutions make me think of an 18-wheeler cab with a Confederate flag draped over its grill.

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Dec 19 2006, 05:16 PM) [snapback]364347[/snapback]</div>

I'm a bit puzzled. Is the Prius ICE coolant thermostat inadequate to maintain an appropriate operating temperature regardless of the OAT? In Dallas TX, its possible we will have some short periods of -30º and some years down to ~10º, but generally our winter temps are relatively mild.[/b]

While the thermostat stops the flow of coolant it does nothing to stop the flow of air through the engine compartment. That air flow alone, on a small aluminum engine like in the Prius is more than enough to make temperture regulation, in cold weather, less than stable. The purpose of the grill blockers is not so much to stop the air flow from cooling the engine coolant itself, but rather to stop the air from cooling the ICE directly as it flows through.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Dec 19 2006, 06:16 PM) [snapback]364347[/snapback]</div>

I'm a bit puzzled. Is the Prius ICE coolant thermostat inadequate to maintain an appropriate operating temperature regardless of the OAT?[/b]

I used to have a 2000 GMC Sierra, which had the aluminum head 5.3 V8. Driving around Winnipeg in temps of -25 C or colder, it never warmed up either. So I got a winter front from Canadian Tire and cured that problem.

At one time winter fronts were common on cars/trucks here. Heaters work so well now, folks don't use them as much. I also suspect they really don't care if the motor warms up properly.

An all-aluminum motor, and a diesel motor too, really benefits from a winter front. My first winter without the front, at -40 C I just about froze my pointy bits off driving around the city. Got terrible fuel economy too.

With the winter front, even at -36 C I had plenty of heat, and the ICE would - briefly - shut off at red lights.

I would love to post a picture of the front of my Prius, but I only have 1.28 K of Global Space. If a nice moderator could fix that, I will happily post a picture once I return from my business trip this Saturday.

Or maybe first week in January when I get back from vacation.

[TonyPSchaefer]

This picture shows the bag the insulation came in, the insulation cut in half length-ways, and the stuffing pulled slightly out to show how I fold it in half and "compression fit" it.
[attachmentid=5948]


<div align="left"> </div> This one shows what it looks like when they are installed. You will notice that at this point I have installed only thre of the five potential blocks in the lower section. Counting from the top slit of the bottom section, I have installed 2, 3, and 5.
[attachmentid=5949]

I then shoved one into #4.

They are shiny because I used a flash. I was looking at it from from work while he was parked in the parking lot and honestly I had to know what I was looking for to see it. As I said above, it's more noticeable on Wayne's red and would probably blend right in on a black.

[member]

I need a reality check please.

The thermostat in the engine is supposed to close when the coolant is too cold (and open when too warm) such that the radiator cannot deliver "cold" coolant to the engine. What is the purpose of blocking air to the engine/radiator? Is the engine itself efficient enough at losing heat?

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Display Name @ Dec 19 2006, 09:40 PM) [snapback]364423[/snapback]</div>

I need a reality check please.

The thermostat in the engine is supposed to close when the coolant is too cold (and open when too warm) such that the radiator cannot deliver "cold" coolant to the engine. What is the purpose of blocking air to the engine/radiator? Is the engine itself efficient enough at losing heat? [/b]

asked and answered about 4 posts back.