Grille blocking questions

Hi JC,
I have my lower grill blocked 100% all summer. No real problems except when I went fishing last month and as I headed up long hills, even though the scan gauge only indicated 203F max, I could smell something hot (had the truck open a bit because of the load). So I removed one slat's worth of blocking the rest of the trip and all was fine.

I don't plan to ever block the upper grill as that has the inverter radiator behind it unless the temps drop lower than 10 below (haven't seen that in a couple of years).

With that said, I haven't seen any difference in my summer FE compared to last year (without any blocking). So it appears it is not doing me any good during the summer (just my observation).

 

JC - I block 50% lower when temps get into the low 60s for the daytime high. Once it drops under 40, I block 100% lower. I keep the upper part open all year round. Of course, I remove the block as temps warm up in the spring. If I wanted to exert additional effort, I could add/remove as necessary depending upon temps and my expected drive. However, for me that's too much effort so I go for the bulk of the time I will need it. I have run with 100% block and temps close to 70 before but I was a little nervous about it. It was one of those warm winter days that we see sporadically.

I figure that might help a little considering you are "right next door".

 

Honestly, in the summer I see very little difference in warm-up time. In the winter I do see a difference but it certainly wasn't as dramatic as I figured it would. Toyota as done a good job with their heat recovery system I think.

 

I've been following the guidelines in Ken's post, except:

As soon as it even seems like AC would be appropriate, it all comes out. The big front radiator behind the grill is for airconditioning, I don't want to impede that once it's working.

 

I'm also in PA (Philly area) - I block the most of the lower grill about Halloween and add the top about Thanksgiving.

 

I block 100% top & bottom. Once the temps are in the 70's I don't believe it helps. The ScanGauge reports coolant temp in the low 190'sF. It's been all out for the summer. When you hear the fan it is time to pull the insulation.

 

Yes - I block the entire top grill and most of the bottom.

 

Steve, keep in mind the JC has a 2011. The inverter radiator is behind the upper grill on the GenIIIs. Probably not a good idea to block fully in warm weather.