Quote:
Originally Posted by notout86
I seem to have solved the problem on our car. I made an heat shield strip from aluminium foil to cover the length of the black plastic duct in the engine compartment to deflect radiant heat from the engine. See pic attached. I only expected it to work partially but it works really well. Heat soak from the engine and sun means it can take a while for outside-temperature air to start coming through but it does eventually which to me proves that duct is a major source of the problem. While I was at it I allowed some of the foil to extend down to shield some plastic connecters and some of the firewall. Previously I sealed off an opening near the bonnet hinge that allowed a little engine compartment air into the duct but that acheived nothing.
Ideally I think a lining of foil covering the complete inside the duct would work faster and reduce the effect of the sun, not to mention looking more professional, but I only tried it as a "proof of concept" exercise. Getting inside the duct looks like a pain too. Yet another example of the benefits of heat shielding rocket science to mankind !
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I'm surprised at the lack of feedback on my solution. I was expecting a medal or hearty handclasp at least. It works for me and has done so for 5000km in outside temperatures ranging from 12 to 41 Celcius. Hot sun shining on the black plastic under the wipers does not seem to matter.
My heatshield is made from Al foil from a flattened bbq griller pan and I know it looks naf, but you can easily prove/disprove with Alfoil. Let me know your results and I promise not to be offended.