OK: Heading to Vermont next week, driving up from Florida. How do I block my radiator so the Prius warms up faster? What do I use and where do I place the block,[CARDBOARD??]. ***Post pictures of what you use to radiator block?
search? there are many threads on this. you can use foam pipe wrap from Lowes/Home Depot; ~50-60% of lower grill is all you'd need
its actually alot easier to stuff the foam in the upper grill area but it seems almost useless ( I did my upper grill 2 weeks ago)
i did as much of both grilles as possible last year with the foam pipe insulation and didn't notice a difference, but my commute is only 7 miles one way.
I'm using 3/4" diameter foam insulation. The "3/4" is the nominal pipe diameter, the foam is something like 1.5" OD. The tubes have a longitudinal slit which you can push over the grill blades. Some people secure it with zip ties. I use strips of velcro tape: easier to install/remove, and reusable. In mild winter weather I block 50% of the lower grill (one piece). If the temp's staying consistantly below 5C, then I'll block 100%. I leave the upper grill open, since there's a radiator behind there for the transaxle coolant. I also put short section of the same foam tubes on the crimped edges of the engine bay, along the sides above the fenders. Leave this in year 'round. It just holds heat in the engine bay better.
I also put short section of the same foam tubes on the crimped edges of the engine bay, along the sides above the fenders. Leave this in year 'round. It just holds heat in the engine bay better.[/QUOTE] Do you have pics, if so please post for us to view.
