Radiator screens... do they work?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Radiator screens... do they work?
I was wondering if anyone here uses a radiator screen to keep debris off of the radiator so you don't need to clean the radiator off. If so, does it work? Does it restrict the flow of air too much? Comments.. Opinions?
Thanks...
Thanks...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 21
From: Olathe, Kansas
I have the Elite Engineering screen on my 03'. Pricier then most, but then you get what you pay for. Works great. No restricition of airflow as far as I can tell. Engine operating temperature is the same as before the screen. You cannot beat Elite's Quality!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14,609
Likes: 219
From: Ohio
Seems well worth it.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Vacuum cleaner
I'll tell you that the intake air access is like a vacuum and I dont see how anyone can run without a debris screen. I made both the wife's and mine from perforated 18 gauge sheet SST 3/8 holes on 5/8 center . No over heating problems and it does let the smaller grasses , like at exibiting on the lawn at the car show. But it does a good job.[IMG]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 4
From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
upon the first inspection of the intake area I did after buying mine, I found weeds, leaves, candy wrappers, and feathers. I fashioned a custom nozzle for my shop vac to remove said items. be aware the fins on the a/c condenser are very fragile
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Thanks for the responses guys... looks like I will be getting one soon.
I was shocked to see that half my radiator was clogged with grass and debris. So now I have to remove the radiator to clean it... any tips on doing this?
I was shocked to see that half my radiator was clogged with grass and debris. So now I have to remove the radiator to clean it... any tips on doing this?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
Me too!
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
I'm sure to some it's not a pretty sight, but it's underneath, it serves the purpose VERY well with no air restrictions what so ever, it's been on for quite a while, and like "tiojames" it was in the $5-10. dollar range. Good DIY job "tiojames."
Check out the thumbnail, not the best photo, but you should get the idea.
Check out the thumbnail, not the best photo, but you should get the idea.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 4
From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
be advised what you see when you lay under the car is the air conditioner condenser. it will act as a filter for the radiator. you'll have to break the seal of the a/c system to remove the condenser. you really don't want to do that. you can remove the radiator and use shop air to blow out the condenser. I modified a crevice tool and used it to vacuum most of the offending material
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
If you have time and inclined to do so, you could remove your filter, radiator shroud, the top part that says "Caution Fan" I believe 4 screws, you could get at your radiator pretty well that way also. Before I installed my screen on the bottom, that's how I vacuumed, power washed the radiator. Worked well. Good luck, you've gotten some good advice from all posters here.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
the keep out the big stuff that would normally put a damper on your day. Think about this scenario:
random plastic bag gets sucked into your radiator area. and sticks to the top throughly throwing off your cooling system. Your temps rise and you damn near overheat before you can pull over.
Now you have to find a way to jack up the front of your car without damaging it. good luck finding C5-friendy jacks at your local quick-e-mart. even a Wal mart or auto parts store may not have one.
If you manage to find a jack, you have to lift up your car and reach in the radiator area hoping that your hands are small enough and you have the dexterity to grab and remove the vile plastic bag.
IMO Home-Made radiator shroud FTW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1841086
random plastic bag gets sucked into your radiator area. and sticks to the top throughly throwing off your cooling system. Your temps rise and you damn near overheat before you can pull over.
Now you have to find a way to jack up the front of your car without damaging it. good luck finding C5-friendy jacks at your local quick-e-mart. even a Wal mart or auto parts store may not have one.
If you manage to find a jack, you have to lift up your car and reach in the radiator area hoping that your hands are small enough and you have the dexterity to grab and remove the vile plastic bag.
IMO Home-Made radiator shroud FTW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1841086
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver B.C.
I put the Elite screen on my 02 when I installed the Honker intake. 10,000 miles later the radiator and air filter is still clean. I believe the Elite screen is probably the best choice.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 2
From: Titusville FL
Outstanding Quality
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I found all kinds of bugs, paper, grass and other clogging junk in my radiator/condenser right after I bought it...and that was only 3,800 miles. I previously made my own on another car, but this car deserved better than DIY quality.
At 6,500 miles now, it's always clean of any debris. I also bought the ELITE ENGINEERING screen...
At 6,500 miles now, it's always clean of any debris. I also bought the ELITE ENGINEERING screen...
