Radiator cowl foam seal

Talk about the E-Type Series 2
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Fuel.inj
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#1 Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by Fuel.inj » Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:58 pm

There are some pro’s and cons about fitting the foam seal on top of the radiator. What adhesive is used to fix it in place?
Thanks in advance.
Paul.
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1977 Gilbern Invader Mk3
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100

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nefematic
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#2 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by nefematic » Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:09 pm

Paul,

the foam was fitted to force air through the radiator, thus being a major part of the cooling system. After having my radiator overhauled, I couldn‘t bring it over myself to use glue or adhesive on the top box. I‘ve fitted aluminium brackets to the sides, holding the foam in place. Works fine up to now (5000 miles). The original foam I believe was yellow (-ish), the usuals current replacements are grey.


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Martin Scherz
Late S2 1970 OTS US LHD

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MarekH
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#3 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by MarekH » Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:59 pm

The air will always find the easiest path to take, if it can. The foam seals off the easy route and forces more air through the radiator. The more efficient your radiator is, the quicker it pulls the temperature back down to the minimum operating point of the thermostat. Many people buy expensive fans which use more electricity when there is a cheaper and more fuel efficient option simply staring them in the face. I'd fit the foam.

kind regards
Marek

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skiracer
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#4 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by skiracer » Fri Apr 01, 2022 1:46 pm

I posted this on the Jag lovers site, should be applicable....

https://forums.jag-lovers.com/t/what-di ... 58680/8580
Doug
1968 Series 1.5 E-Type OTS (Early production)

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Stevejaguar
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#5 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by Stevejaguar » Wed Oct 09, 2024 4:58 pm

Thanks everyone for your replies.
Steve

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Monkeyfinger
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#6 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by Monkeyfinger » Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:00 am

I fitted the foam as others have, using clamps on the sides of the radiator. However, I find that the bonnet closure tends to push the foam over the front of the radiator somewhat - it seems I will still need some solution to fix it centrally on the top of the rad. Anyone else find this, or is it just the final positioning of bonnet and rad in my case?
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Richard
- 1969 Series 2 OTS, family owned 40+ years

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JerryL770
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#7 Re: Radiator cowl foam seal

Post by JerryL770 » Thu Oct 10, 2024 11:21 am

Monkeyfinger wrote:
Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:00 am
Anyone else find this, or is it just the final positioning of bonnet and rad in my case?
Yes, mine does just that, though I think the bonnet pushes it backwards, toward the engine. Only solution I would think of would be a new one and plenty of polish on the inside of the bonnet. Necessary ???

With that foam in place, I see little need for the felt on top of the stone guard. I don't have it and little problem with cooling.
Jerome Lunt
1970 S2 FHC - Dark Blue, Red Interior, MX5 Seats
2008 MX-5 NC PRHT - now gone :sad:

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