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09-17-2007, 10:23 PM | #1 |
Steals terrorist's lunch
Drives: 2007 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA
Posts: 1,299
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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.
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- 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. |
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