Polycarbonate Grille Block.

[Sky14FFH]

Finally the engine is getting up to proper operating temperatures.  Was 47 degrees today and the engine got up to 191 degrees (finally) as detected by the scanguage II.  It is so nice having toasty heat for a change.  So I followed ptjones advice and help and made an upper and lower grille block out of polycarbonate .06 sheet (makrolon/lexan).  Time will tell whether the fuel economy improves but the engine isn't coming on quite as often.  This was my first attempt and cutting the sheet PC isn't that easy.   I used a router for the lower and a bandsaw and sanders for the upper.  My measuring wasn't perfect as you can see but I'm pretty happy with the results.  What do you think?

Edited January 3, 2022 by Sky14FFH
spelling and size error

[VonoreTn]

Wow! great job on sizing that plastic to the lower opening.  Of course if you move to Phoenix, and spend a lot of time over 100F, you will want to remove it.  Looks like you secured it with plastic ties?  Smart.  Outstanding craftsmanship.   That might help my C-Max mpg on short runs, because often the engine warmup time knocks down my mpg. 

[ptjones]

4 hours ago, VonoreTn said:

Wow! great job on sizing that plastic to the lower opening.  Of course if you move to Phoenix, and spend a lot of time over 100F, you will want to remove it.  Looks like you secured it with plastic ties?  Smart.  Outstanding craftsmanship.   That might help my C-Max mpg on short runs, because often the engine warmup time knocks down my mpg. 

I leave mine on all year around and even in Phoenix. I take the bottom off when I'm hitting 230*F which only happens going uphill.  Using Velcro makes it easy to remove and replace.

Center Grill Cover should be mounted permanently and bottom Grill Cover should be easy to remove and reinstall for optimum results.  All Trans, inverter, radiator and A/C coolers are located behind bottom grill.

 

Paul

[Sky14FFH]

On 2/23/2020 at 6:56 AM, VonoreTn said:

Wow! great job on sizing that plastic to the lower opening.  Of course if you move to Phoenix, and spend a lot of time over 100F, you will want to remove it.  Looks like you secured it with plastic ties?  Smart.  Outstanding craftsmanship. 

Thanks.  Yes there has been a slight improvement on my mpgs. From 38 to 40 winter. I haven't exactly been hypermiling though and February was cold.  I simply like having heat in the cabin.  According to PTJones it should be ok even in Phoenix. I'll wait and see though and keep an eye on the engine temperature using the ScangaugeII I have.  My mpgs would be better if I had the energy saver tires but they were scary in the winter so wanted to try the tires rated the next most efficient but far safer.  You really think my craftmanship is all that hot? I kinda feel like I botched it a little but it was my first attempt and maybe blow another $20 and try it again but nhaa I've fine with it.