GRILL BUG SCREEN

If you see it as that much trouble, just don't do it! Free country!

No way to get behind the grill without removing a bunch of stuff. Plus there are 2 different radiators at different depths so the surface is uneven.
I wouldn't be able to periodically clean it without dis-assembly.

In 2007 was in Southern Utah spring time and the Honey Bees were very active.
Neighbor in CG was out cleaning and straightening radiator fins due to all the bees impacted & stuck on radiator. Took him over 2 hrs.

While he was doing that I went to a hardware store, bought some 1/4" wire screen, folded it in half off set so that openings were 1/8" then attached it to inside cowling of hood/grill opening with zip ties. When you open hood it moves with hood so it is completely out of the way.
I used the 1/4" wire screen cause I was worried that 'window screen' would be too small/tight woven and block air flow (like the cold weather kits we used on old oil rig trucks during WY winter).

Have to replace zip ties every once in a while but screen is still in place and other than just a quick hosing when washing truck I have NOT had to clean/straighten radiator fins since.

Put it behind the grill and in contact with the radiator. Same fiberglass screen for 15 years, no problem.

How do you reach the hood latch behind the screen. I'm presuming the screen is put on the outside of the grill. I'll probably do a DIY setup since I can't find one made for my van for a reasonable price.

I have had the same piece of window screen on my TV radiator for 8-9 years,
never a problem with overheating. That fan sucks a LOT of air.
( I probably should think about putting a new one on.....maybe)

I had the concern about how the bug screen would effect the temp of the coolant and transmission (I have gauges for both). With ambient temps on our trip in the mid to upper 80s, I couldn't tell a difference from the temps before I installed it. I agree, with bugs (and they were on the raditor) it could have been no different. My thoughts before purchasing the screen was if it raised the tips too much I cauldron easily remove it. Instead, each morning before taking off, I just used. Red rag to remove the dead ones. I have no regrets on purchasing and using it.

ralphnjoann wrote:
Forty or fifty years ago these things were all over the place then they disappeared because they substantially reduced airflow to the engine. If you want to see how much, hold your hand in front of a fan, or your wife's hairdryer, and see what the airflow feels like. Then put a piece of screen between your hand and the fan and notice the difference.

True, they reduce flow to some extent.

But, don't you think a radiator full of bug guts, pieces, and bent fins also blocks air flow?

And, I can tell you which is easier to clean!

Put one on, and if you start running hot, take it off. Otherwise, the reduced flow is not hurting you.

Forty or fifty years ago these things were all over the place then they disappeared because they substantially reduced airflow to the engine. If you want to see how much, hold your hand in front of a fan, or your wife's hairdryer, and see what the airflow feels like. Then put a piece of screen between your hand and the fan and notice the difference.

I wanted one for our recent trip to Colorado and googled to find one. I don't remember the urn for sue but was something like Bugscrren warehouse and is in CA. SEVERAL OPTIONS FOR MY 14 year old PU from nylon to painted aluminum. It wasn't cheap but excellent quality and will last a long time. Easy install as well and fast shipping.