1985 series 3 radiator foam surround
 

Is the foam that surrounds the radiator special or can I get some from Clarke Rubber
Cheers
Adrian

Adrian,

Described as 'seals' in the Parts Catalogue, I very much doubt they have special properties by coming in a packet with a Jaguar label.

Apart from the cost! :icon_lol:

Graham

As Graham said, Special, of course they are. British non-metallic component, HAHAHA.

Seriously.

I do not run that foam on any of my Jags, never have. That will start a barrage of comments I am sure, but fact is fact.

All my V12's had it eventually omitted when I had the radiator/s out for cleaning. Basically it fell apart, so I got some from Clark Rubber (coz the book said MUST HAVE), and it promptly ended up sitting IN the engine bay of the '85 XJ-S, as the "ram air" dislodged it (I do drive fast at times), and I thought I had it packed nice and tight, and even a smear of glue for good measure.

I was some 450kms from home heading out. Removed the remnants, continued to where we were going and drove home again, 3500kms in total, and after 20 minutes thought no more of that foam rubbish.

The engine temps did not alter, it was summer, so 40+c, and when I got around to things once home, I removed that stuff from all of them.

My X300 has it gone, and the Black S Type has it falling out at random, so I will assist that event real soon.

Your car, your choice, but give it a try with it missing, and see if you are comfortable with bits missing from a Jag.

Did you notice a performance improvement from this weight-saving? :icon_lol:

The only point of the foam is to block the 'path of least resistance' for airflow at the side and bottom thus maximising flow through the radiator.

Attachment 75477

Given the relative frontal areas of the foam and the radiator, I can see why you found no difference.

Graham

Performance increased HEAPS, the V12 really noticed the difference in weight it had propel, HAHAHAHA. Damn car was a missile on any day.

I have found most modern cars have no sealing foam, cost cutting, whatever, and they have no ill effects. OK, the new alloy/plastic radiators etc have a lot to do with that I suppose.