Hello all, I'm well aware that this may be discussed on more than one other thread, but I guess I just am a little confused with all the different things I have read on when to begin blocking my grilles, what to be careful of, when to remove, and what to look for if I've blocked too much. :nono:I have seen kens post and chart on the topic. I dont have a scan gauge but I do think some "minor" blocking would be beneficial as fall is approaching. I would appreciate any input any of you "blockers" have from the PA/mid atlantic region also! Thanks for your input. JC
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).
Thanks. Yeah, I dont think ill put any blocking in until I start seeing avg highs staying at 60F just to be on the cautious side. I hope to see less decline in mpgs as the weather cools with a little strategic blocking..Spiderman, how about warm up times? have they lessened with your lower block this summer?
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.
Thanks. I plan to begin blocking around that same time, wick1ert. Also yes I wouldnt want to have the airconditioner struggling and working harder than it is originally intended to with the block...that would defeat the purpose of minimizing fuel consumption! What about the top block, is that just never advised?
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.
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.
