Good morning,

I am waiting on my new factory radiator to arrive for my 1995 XJS 4.0L. I see that the foam insulation surround is in poor shape and needs to also be replaced. Everywhere I have checked say these pieces are no longer available. All the specs I find on common foam insulation limits it to 150°F-180°F.

What is your recommendation for a substitute material?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Scott

 

No idea on that year model,

BUT

All my V12's had none. I tried all sorts, no good at all, too hard, wasted drinking time in those days, left it out, NO ill effects in any of them, even in our 45c summers.

The later cars, the X300, and now the S Types have no such thing.

Lots of theories and banter about it, and what I did to mine was Pre Computer days, so simply my own brain, and suck and see, and for me it worked.

 

Grant dead right. I took his advice and no ill effects; beneficial effects are: lower under bonnet temps and cooler intake temps.
Ggreg

 

If you don't want to go without, visit your local hardware store and look for the pre-packaged foam used to fill gaps around window A/C units. Perfect fit, and the correct type of foam.

 

My 88 with a small replacement electric fan runs fine without insulation. Stuff that may not be properly rated is just going to crumble early, so you can always give some mystery foam a shot.

I'm pretty sure the stuff for door surrounds at the hardware store should be fine, the adhesive that comes with them is usually pretty cruddy though.

 

Mine has no foam around the radiator, been like it now for years and no problem even in 40°C temps.

 

Thank you all for the quick feedback. I am only trying to keep her looking as factory as possible, but you have given me a new perspective. I appreciate this forum and all that contribute. Thanks again.

Scott

 

Hey, I MUST keep a factory look, but these foam strips, as well as the lump of foam on the tranny are staying out of my engine bay. Why? Because there is no reason, other than costing money for no reason. You also barely/don't see them.