School Me on Hood insulation

Pote · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 1:42 pm

So I'm considering some hood louvers and it got me to reading and looking up threads on the topic. Then a question occurred to me and maybe you guys can shed some light onto my observation.

In all the install threads and even downloading some companies instruction sheets, they say to remove the hood insulation. Ok then this begs to question.

Hood louvers are installed to alleviate engine heat. Instruction say to remove the hood insulation, (its probably ratty an old anyhow said in one instruction sheet)

Engine heat is inevitable when running, insulation keeps in heat. Insulation also keeps in cold (or the reverse, keeps cold out)...but regardless, when driving our jeeps, the engine gets hot, so why do car manufacturers install hood insulation in the first place...is it purely sound dampening insulation? And...if before even getting hood louvers, would removing the hood insulation be helpful in letting more hot air out on its own due to removing the heat insulating properties (or not this kind of insulation?)...or does the insulation do something more. seems if we're ditching it when doing a louver install, why not ditch it if you don't have louvers either?? anyone?? If its only sound dampening...is a louder engine necessarily a bad thing? LOL
Thanks

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:32 pm

I took my garbage out a LONG time ago. Then I put hood louvers on. The louvers really get the heat out! When your setting still you can see the heat waves coming out. The only time I can see any use for the insulation is when its really cold.

Terry

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:31 pm

It's there to protect the paint from high engine temps. Or the urban legend is it's a fire blanket designed to dop down and smother the fire when the plastic fasteners melt away.

Pote · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:43 pm

Is there any harm in removing it with no hood louvers to let the heat escape?? I mean paint-wise and hot engine and all?? or should I just wait to get the louvers installed. It just got me thinking that its got to be keeping the engine hotter all on its own so why not get it out...I never thought about the hood getting too hot and having paint issues...any more info??

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:51 pm

A friend of mine with 15 years working in a Chrysler body shop said removing the blanket would not harm the paint. I ran without mine for a couple of years with no damage. Now I'm bed lined and it doesn't have any effect either. So much for protecting the paint.

Terry

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:45 pm

Stupid propeller heads at Chrysler not listening to the paint guys again... adding all kinds of extra parts... sheesh.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:27 pm

Pote wrote:

Is there any harm in removing it with no hood louvers to let the heat escape?? I mean paint-wise and hot engine and all?? or should I just wait to get the louvers installed. It just got me thinking that its got to be keeping the engine hotter all on its own so why not get it out...I never thought about the hood getting too hot and having paint issues...any more info??

If you're getting louvers soon jerk it out
I know of several even with no louvers the the insulation has been gone for quite a while now.
Also if you look there is a rubber strip across the cowl area, that can come off as well and let some heat out. Hood may vibrate a little more some say, but mines been gone for over 5 years.
Don't over think it, its only insulation
:ROTFL:

Pote · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:44 pm

tommudd wrote:

Pote wrote:

Is there any harm in removing it with no hood louvers to let the heat escape?? I mean paint-wise and hot engine and all?? or should I just wait to get the louvers installed. It just got me thinking that its got to be keeping the engine hotter all on its own so why not get it out...I never thought about the hood getting too hot and having paint issues...any more info??

If you're getting louvers soon jerk it out
I know of several even with no louvers the the insulation has been gone for quite a while now.
Also if you look there is a rubber strip across the cowl area, that can come off as well and let some heat out. Hood may vibrate a little more some say, but mines been gone for over 5 years.
Don't over think it, its only insulation
:ROTFL:

LOL...I tend to do that to a fault... :oops:

That said, I guess thats why the engineers at Chrysler overthink it...hmmmm Is it a fire blanket or dried out tinder? :ROTFL:

bhc04 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:49 pm

JL Rockies wrote:

It's there to protect the paint from high engine temps. Or the urban legend is it's a fire blanket designed to dop down and smother the fire when the plastic fasteners melt away.

Ditto, that's what it's for.

X F/F
San Jose CA.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:25 pm

Our Cadillac team still points out that all Cadillacs come with the fire blanket safety feature.

School Me on Hood insulation

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