bugs in radiator fins

[Toyboomer]

Does anyone know if a large number of insects that accumulate in the radiator fins decreases the cooling efficiency? When growing up in KS with many grasshoppers, etc. my dad always put screen door screen directly over the car radiator. Bugs can be wiped off the screen every couple of weeks which is easy on the fine screen door mesh.

I have done this with most vehicles I've owned including my 06 Sport. Wondering if anyone here has heard of this or feels it needs to be done? It is difficult to brush bugs out of radiator fins and it seems they could decrease the cooling efficiency.

 

[jharris2]

It would make sense that they would reduce the airflow if enough bugs were caught in the fins. Then of course, over time, they would decay and the space should open up again.

If you can put the screen mesh in front of the radiator so that it's easy to take off, then it may be worth it just for peace of mind.

Just my $0.02.

 

[spyne]

If you're in an area where you get a large number of bugs in the radiator in a short period of time then it probably makes sense. In most places there's no need to put in a screen. Rain and the accelerated degradation of the bugs the heat of the radiator causes is enough to keep things cool.