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Lips for winter. Too soon or just right?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by kenoarto, Nov 9, 2014.

  1. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    OK temperatures are dipping below 32 degrees. And we are about to get snow in the upper midwest. It think this is the perfect time to install radiator "lips". Just sayin'
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What the eff are "lips," lol. Grill blocking?
     
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  3. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Yes, the varied methods of blocking the Prius radiator grills from cold winter temperatures, are often referred to at as "lips".
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ok. It's supposed to get clear and colder over the next few days here, overnight lows below freezing: I blocked the lower opening 50% this morning, one pipe insulation tube (of two).
     
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  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Mornings are certainly cool enough -- high 20s,
    but afternoons can still reach 60F

    SW Colorado
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    where are they often called lips?:cool:
     
  7. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    Great time of the year for "lips"!

    I fitted my winter wheels and tyres yesterday, as I think it's cold enough, i.e. Below 7 Celsius. We're supposed to be getting the worst winter in 100 years here this year
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    we're having a warm spell, i hope it last's until i get my 'lips' on!:p
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    "Blow my lips off..." is at 4:20, but it's worthwhile to watch the whole thing. ;)
     
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  10. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Never seen a grill block called lips, and I've been into hypermiling for a while.

    I put my lower grill block on a couple months ago, haven't had any issues with it. I might try blocking the top in a month or two.
     
  11. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Public service bulletin:
    The radiator is functionally split into two sections -- top and bottom
    In the Gen2 the bottom half cools the inverter.
    In the Gen3 the top half cools the inverter.
    -------------
    In cold but not freezing weather, best not to block inverter cooling.
    I personally only block if I can monitor temperatures.
     
    #11 SageBrush, Nov 9, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2014
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Huh? Pretty sure top is inverter on third gen... I always leave top open, for that reason. Hope I got it right.
     
  13. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Oh crap, did I reverse the orders ?

    Addendum: Corrected! Thanks Mendel
     
    #13 SageBrush, Nov 9, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2014
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  14. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    The other day I blocked 90% of the grille (top grille fully blocked, bottom grille all blocked except for the top upmost slat). Monitoring with my generic scan tool, engine temps haven't risen above 189f.

    Ambient temps here now flirting with daily highs in the low 40's, mid-low 30's.
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Lower Inverter Protection System.
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    So, anyone done turn signals on their ears?