I have always inspected the back of the rad and the front of the ac condensor for debris, but I had now idea so much crap could get in the space between the condensor and the rad. Only way to access this space is to remove your shroud.

I had two envelopes, a crap load of leaves, and two mud dauber nests in there!!! Dont ask about the mud daubers. I still have no idea when or how that happened. This car hardley sits for any length.

I am replacing my rad today and noticed all this. Just blew all the crap out with a leaf blower.

Thought this might help anyone with cooling problem who are still scratchign their heads about why they're system is not optimally working.

 

preventive maintenance strikes again! haha good job.

any checks in those envelopes?

 

ha ha ....one was from the US dept of treasury. No kidding. Ah but no check. damn!

Love preventative maintanence.

 

one time at the racetrack i noticed my car getting hot, when i look in front of the radiator, a paper plate was stuck against the radiator

 

mine had...
broken plastic fork, dead bees, leafs, pack of sugar from macdonald(I think) and a short, dirty used cigarette in there.. along with lots of small rocks.

all these were most likely from the previous owner though..

 

considering when I replaced my radiator there really wasn't too much between them. Some bugs and leaves, but nothing really to obstruct the airflow.