Yes, maybe hard to understand coming from Montana but mades a differance in hot climates.
Radiator Foam Liner
- Thread starter landtoy80
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Yes, maybe hard to understand coming from Montana but mades a differance in hot climates.
That is what they are saying. I say it doesn't matter when you have clean components. I have not done a delta T test on the radiator, but experience shows the a/c is cooler with no foam. They have a valid point on under hood recirculation, but only at idle. Foam traps heat off of the condenser and sends it through the radiator instead of expelling it. That's not good in my book. While moving, foam does no good. It restricts air flow and increases the delta T.
I've never had a problem keeping a stock Land Cruiser cool, so I'm not sure why all the fuss. I've towed more than they can handle, it's not an issue. Clean it up.
I've never had a problem keeping a stock Land Cruiser cool, so I'm not sure why all the fuss. I've towed more than they can handle, it's not an issue. Clean it up.
Your opinion. There's been quite a bit of research done on the subject around these parts, and we've found the foam to be an integral part of the cooling system. The foam does nothing to restrict air flow either through the rad or through/around the condenser and tranny cooler. It just keeps the underhood air from being sucked back through the radiator. Even if you were 100% correct, cooling at idle while on the trail in the desert is a big concern here.
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2004
- Threads
- 274
- Messages
- 23,205
- Location
- Chandler, AZ
- Website
- www.tontorecreationalliance.org
So, Toyota had loads of extra foam and needed to employ someone's brother in law to stick it on?
My guess is; they foam sealed all around the radiator, between the radiator and lower cross member, etc, for a reason and it is to increase the efficiency of the cooling system. I ran long term with a bunch of temp sensors and this is the case.
You are correct that the biggest effect on condenser efficiency is at low speed. This is one of the system weak points, A/C vent temp going up at slow speeds, good foam seals make a significant difference.
Under hood recirculation has a measurable effect at all speeds. Pulling hot air into the coolers is never a good thing, always reduces efficiency. The '80 is fan dependent, depending on heat load, can need the fan at any speed.
The test results were consistent and repeatable, foam seals always made a measurable/significant difference. Run your rig how ever it works for you, but some of us want/need the most effective, robust cooling system possible and foam seals are a cheap, easy improvement.
My guess is; they foam sealed all around the radiator, between the radiator and lower cross member, etc, for a reason and it is to increase the efficiency of the cooling system. I ran long term with a bunch of temp sensors and this is the case. You are correct that the biggest effect on condenser efficiency is at low speed. This is one of the system weak points, A/C vent temp going up at slow speeds, good foam seals make a significant difference.
Under hood recirculation has a measurable effect at all speeds. Pulling hot air into the coolers is never a good thing, always reduces efficiency. The '80 is fan dependent, depending on heat load, can need the fan at any speed.
The test results were consistent and repeatable, foam seals always made a measurable/significant difference. Run your rig how ever it works for you, but some of us want/need the most effective, robust cooling system possible and foam seals are a cheap, easy improvement.
- Thread starter
- #46
I put a double layer of foam and it was too much. One layer popped out.
Meh, I've done several with the foam LandCruiser Phil posted, you're fitting 1.25" foam into a .25" crack. It ain't moving.
I have also used the A/C foam from home depot ala Landcruiser Phil post with out issue. Used a flexible putty knife to wedge the bottom in between radiator and core. 6months later it's still there.
Sorry to dredge up an old old forum but as a newer Land Cruiser enthusiast in the Mojave desert I definitely need better cooling but I know my radiator was replaced by previous owner who did not put foam back in so my question is is it good enough to just foam the top or do I need to try and loosen radiator up and fit foam all the way around it?
Are you currently running hot? Foam can help (and you'd want it all around), but what's the state of the rest of the cooling system? Do you know which radiator it is? Age and/or condition of all the parts? If the system itself isn't up to par, foam would only be a bandaid attempt at best. With your cooling needs, I'd want to be sure of those things.
Do you have a gauge plugged in to read actual temps, or just going by the needle on the dash?
Do you have a gauge plugged in to read actual temps, or just going by the needle on the dash?
Last edited:
She was only running hot in summer over 105 ambient temps and I know the stock temp gauge isn't that accurate but I'm going off the ac shutting off telling me she's to hot along with the gauge almost touching red. As for parts honestly how Jerry rigged it is id say cheapest radiator he could get but it does look like one of the newest pieces under the hood so I do believe it was replaced within the last 3 years plus coolant looks really clean so system seems fine.
