What is the purpose of the foam around the radiator?

[AdventureBuddies]

97 FZJ80
During radiator replacement, most of the foam that's packed around the raditor disintegrated.

What is the function? How important is it? What should I replace it with - maybe improved material?

 

[nicholas]

It is there to make a seal between the rad and the engine compartment to make the cooling system more efficient. You can't buy the foam separately from Toyota since it comes already adhered to the radiator. It is probably worth replacing with some dense weather resistant weather stripping. I need to replace the strip on the top.

Edit: I noticed you said "radiator replacement", did you replace it with a new one? If so the OEM Toyota rad should already have the foam attached.

 

[Tools R Us]

It controls airflow, improves cooling by keeping air from recirculating. I use closed cell waterproof weatherstripping from the hardware store to replace it.

 

[knorrena]

I think he is referring to the foam at the bottom of the rad. When I did mine it came without the foam on the bottom, but with the foam on the top.

 

[AdventureBuddies]

Yes, the foam around the bottom. I figured it had something to do with focusing the cooling air. Thanks.

 

[Tools R Us]

All of the foam is important. Any air pulled from under the hood is hotter, reducing efficiency, also it's that much air that isn't being drawn through the forward coolers, condenser, etc. I seal up all of the gaps, like where the harness goes through. In some climates it probably doesn't matter, here every bit helps!

 

[livinoffroad]

I literally use the foam that comes in the "Harry & David" boxes of gift pears..

It most closely resembles the texture of the original factory foam.

Any foam which will block air flow, and will not melt at operating temp will work, but it is necessary to have some sort of foam in place for proper cooling.

I like using this foam because it doesn't need to be glued in place. I just wad a double thickness in place and it stays put.

I haven't needed to replace it, since I originally installed it 2 years ago, and if I do, it's cheep, cheep, cheep, and no glueing.

Ugly, but effective..

Don't forget to foam the sides of the radiator too.

 

[-Spike-]

57 results for a search for 'foam radiator'.

-Spike

 

[Ebag333]

I literally use the foam that comes in the "Harry & David" boxes of gift pears..

I might have to walk over to the foam shed and see if they have any scraps.


I never thought about using that foam for the purpose (and I work here ).