Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site
 

 


 
Go Back   Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site > Technical Forums > DIY / Maintenance / Service
  The Tire Rack

 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 09-17-2007, 10:23 PM   #1
BailOut
Steals terrorist's lunch
 
BailOut's Avatar
 
Drives: 2007 Yaris Liftback
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA
Posts: 1,299
Post DIY: Engine Grille Block

One of the main reasons that fuel efficiency drops in the cold months is because fuel doesn't burn as well in a cold environment. Your engine can't always keep itself warm, and when its temperature drops too low your ECU starts feeding even more fuel into it in order to force it to run at a higher RPM in an effort to generate more heat.

In order to stop this wasteful cycle many people block their engine grilles in the colder months in order to stop the flow of too-cold air into the engine area. My own rule of thumb is to block the upper grille when daytime temperatures are peaking at 65F, and also the lower grille when daytime temperatures are peaking at 55F. I also use an engine insulation blanket once daytime temperatures drop to 45, and I will post a DIY on that when that time comes.

Supplies:

6' x 1/2" foam pipe insulation, x2 = $4 total at any hardware store
8" PVC, UV-resistant zip ties, black, x30 = $4 at Radio Shack and other places

Total cost: $8


Tools:

Scissors
Wire cutters
Flathead screwdriver


Instructions:

1) The front bumper needs to be pulled forward far enough to get your hand behind it. To do this use a combination of a lot of finesse, your fingers, and the flathead screwdriver to remove the 5 push pins on top of the bumper, right underneath the hood's front edge.

2) Once those are out do the same thing with the 2 that are in the front wheel wells, at the rear edge of the bumper piece.

3) Use the scissors to cut the foam to fit, using only one half of the foam each time (cut it in half lengthwise to make a half-pipe). Shape it a bit if you desire.

4) Run zip ties into the grille, and then carefully reach behind the bumper to route them back through the grille towards the front.

5) Close the zip ties and tighten them just enough to keep the pieces in place without wiggling too much.

6) Use the wire cutters to trim the excess from the zip ties, then use the screwdriver to push on the zip tie's nodule backwards into the grille in order to hide it.


That's it!

The lower grille is done in the exact same fashion.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg supplies.jpg (167.3 KB, 4851 views)
File Type: jpg bumper_removal.jpg (176.4 KB, 4817 views)
File Type: jpg bumper_removal2.jpg (175.6 KB, 4817 views)
File Type: jpg upper_grill_blocked.jpg (80.0 KB, 4922 views)
__________________
- Brian

Share the Road


I often carry 2 carpool passengers and mountain bikes
or snowboards/skis over a 4,500 foot elevation difference.
Click the graphic above to see my detailed mileage logs.

Last edited by BailOut; 09-17-2007 at 11:29 PM.
BailOut is offline   Reply With Quote
 

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
DIY: 10 minute engine bay detail Razr DIY / Maintenance / Service 61 07-28-2020 02:33 PM
DIY: Intake Installation redyaris DIY / Maintenance / Service 53 08-23-2014 05:34 AM
DIY: Urethane Engine mounts turboyaris DIY / Maintenance / Service 1 05-21-2007 01:08 PM
swap for 2zz-ge???? yarisTOONR82 Performance Modifications 12 03-23-2007 07:15 PM
higher octane fuel KSIbucky DIY / Maintenance / Service 37 01-14-2007 07:17 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:48 PM.




YarisWorld
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.