Any need to keep plastic trim above radiator?

[AlumniCU]

Added winch today and need access for wired remote.

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[02SE]

I'd say it could ensure that the airflow coming in through grille, flows through the radiator.

 

[mrblah]

Mud, and water

 

[Matt831]

I would keep it just from a cooling perspective.

 

[BackOff]

No reason, its trim, for looks.
Top of radiator has sharp edges.
Mine has been off for years, same with that plastic cover on top of the motor, just for looks.
Zero noticeable effect on cooling with scan gauge 2.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

It's there so you won't lose 10mm sockets.

 

[lewdog998]

It's there so you won't lose 10mm sockets.

Its actually a staging area for "getting ready to lose" 10mm sockets.

 

[fourrunnerbill]

Would't hot air from the engine get sucked into the radiator instead of cooler air? Not sure.

 

[02SE]

No reason, its trim, for looks.
Top of radiator has sharp edges.
Mine has been off for years, same with that plastic cover on top of the motor, just for looks.
Zero noticeable effect on cooling with scan gauge 2.

It's not necessary under most conditions. But under severe service like towing max weight on a very hot day up a grade, at altitude, it can help keep the coolant temperatures in check.

 

[BackOff]

It's not necessary under most conditions. But under severe service like towing max weight on a very hot day up a grade, at altitude, it can help keep the coolant temperatures in check.

Personally I think it there for looks and to give the hood latch some slight protection from crud.

Some little strip of plastic is not going to do anything to adding cooling.

Some of these newer car motors are nothing but plastic cover mania when you pop the hood.

 

[02SE]

Personally I think it there for looks and to give the hood latch some slight protection from crud.

Some little strip of plastic is not going to do anything to adding cooling.

Some of these newer car motors are nothing but plastic cover mania when you pop the hood.

The idea is to direct all possible airflow through the radiator. For those situations where the engineers were trying to keep the engine temperatures controlled under extreme stress.

Presenting a more 'finished' engine bay would also be a consideration, but it is primarily a functional piece too.

I'm just basing my comments on those of a Toyota Engineer who mentioned it when asked in an interview when the 5th gen was being introduced, and seeing how airflow is managed on cars during my years of working on cars in consumer car repair, and professional racing.