I've noticed some quite heavy damage to the radiator cooling elements - from debris passing through the front grille cover.

The grille cover is actually quite open, and provides marginal protection to the radiator behind.

Anyone else got damage ?

Maybe I look at fitting some sort of mesh behind the grille.............?

I notice that too, when inspecting it for debris fron the Tong 4x4 day

Looks like stones will fit through the grill and its covered in dents

Puting mesh there could restrict the cooling as the airflow may decrease


whilst on the subject should i have run water over the radiator with wash it out, it looks just a little dirty not clumps of mud or anything? Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Yeah - the grille (especially above the bumper) is very open. There are 3 horizontal slatts which could just about let a golf ball through

If I fit mesh - then I'll make sure that it will prevent stones going through, but is still open enough for good air flow


In relation to washing the radiator elements - then that's a good idea. I clean mine about 4 - 6 times per year - mainly in the summer to get the insects (and golf balls) out.


I know you know this - but just be careful with the pressure washer.

As I have an industrial air compressor, I blow out the radiator with air from time to time. Failing that I plug the telephone into the radiator and Mrs G provides enough hot air to blast it clean
Also I tend not to drive on golf courses very often  At work
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I'll just be using running water from the hose not the pressure washer as i hear they force the dirt further in Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Try and wash from the back of the radiator pushing the muck out the way it came in, if that's not to obvious?

while your out take off the tow bar and bin it  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

If you're washing the radiator then you really should "back wash" it, i.e. wash it from inside the engine compartment if you can so that you wash the dirt out in the opposite direction to which it came in. If you do it from the front of the car there is a chance that all you will do is force the dirt & muck further into the radiator fins which will lead to a decrease in the cooling capacity of the radiator.

Hope that helps  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

The sport style grille has a mesh so i would say that this grille might be used instead of a protective mesh FREELANDER 2 TD4 SE (XS UK) IZMIR BLUE SIDE STEPS COLD PACK BI-XENON TINTED WINDOWS - AND PROUD OF HER

Dave wrote:

If you're washing the radiator then you really should "back wash" it, i.e. wash it from inside the engine compartment if you can so that you wash the dirt out in the opposite direction to which it came in. If you do it from the front of the car there is a chance that all you will do is force the dirt & muck further into the radiator fins which will lead to a decrease in the cooling capacity of the radiator.

Hope that helps

You stalking me Dave? At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Dont use a jet washer on high power on the rad as it can damage the fins.........

snappa wrote:

Dont use a jet washer on high power on the rad as it can damage the fins.........

Quote:

You stalking me Dave?

Nah, think we were typing our replies at the same time but you managed to post yours first, I guess you can type faster than me

P.S. Nice Avatar by the way  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

Dave wrote:

Quote:

You stalking me Dave?

Nah, think we were typing our replies at the same time but you managed to post yours first, I guess you can type faster than me

P.S. Nice Avatar by the way

Guessing after your locations CG is just closer to the server  FREELANDER 2 TD4 SE (XS UK) IZMIR BLUE SIDE STEPS COLD PACK BI-XENON TINTED WINDOWS - AND PROUD OF HER

I'm really asleep and have programmed an auto answer system to reply for me, it still outfoxes Npinks  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race