I looked in the archives for some ideas on where to obtain the foam
that goes around the radiator. It looks that foam kits where
available from some sources a few years ago, but after making a few
calls they are NLA.
I was interested in also foaming all the airgaps around the
condenser to prevent air gapsthere as well
Has anyone had luck with foam from another vehicle??–
95 AJ16 4liter 6cylinder, Houston TX
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In reply to a message from Mark Janzic sent Thu 18 Aug 2011:
Oh, yeah, and I would like something fire proof of course. Dont
want to set the car on fire–
95 AJ16 4liter 6cylinder, Houston TX
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In reply to a message from Mark Janzic sent Thu 18 Aug 2011:
Last year I had the radiator in my 1990 XJS removed and rodded.
While I was at it, I refurbished the finish in the rad area. Some
told me to avoid replacing the foam rubber strips on the sides and
underside of the radiator. Poppycock! I don’t want any air
bypassing the radiator! I found NOS foam rubber strips from Paul’s
Jaguar http://www.paulsjaguar.com/ They also got me the 3 rubber
grommets for the fan mounting arms, as well as the yellow caution
sticker for the fan shroud.
Jeremy has been a phenomenal resource for my car. He goes above
and beyond to make me happy. Call him and I bet he can find what
you need: 561-367-0525–
FL XJR
Florida, United States
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In reply to a message from FL XJR sent Thu 18 Aug 2011:
Thanks for your reply. Since I am looking to do
thecondenser too, has anyone used anything from a hardware
store???–
95 AJ16 4liter 6cylinder, Houston TX
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In reply to a message from Mark Janzic sent Fri 19 Aug 2011:
The nice thing about the ones I got was that they were cut to fit
perfectly. I didn’t need anything around the condenser since the
air couldn’t slip past the sides or underneath radiator. I have an
extra one still in the plastic packaging I’d be happy to give you,
but it’s for the old school XJSs. Likely wouldn’t fit yours. If
you are concerned about maximum cooling, be sure that your cooling
system is up to snuff. That’s why I had my radiators removed and
rodded out. Even though the car only has 30K miles, on it it can
still get funky in there as stuff accumulates on the bottom. I had
a lower temp fan switch installed, as well as the t-stat. My
mechanic refilled the system with Xerex G-05, which he claims is
better than the green stuff. Of course, yours is 6cylinder, so
there’s more air flow in the engine compartment, but I would still
to a full coolant system service, especially in hot climates like
Florida and TX.–
FL XJR
Florida, United States
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Veekay,
I do not own an AJ16 equipped Jaguar but I have always considered the foam around the radiator an important part of the cooling system as it stops cooling air from bypassing the radiator and forces more cooling air through the radiator fins to maximize cooling. While working on my two Series III XJ6s, my XJ12, and my 1990 wife’s XJ-S convertible I have removed the old deteriorated foam and replaced it. Most recently I used some foam sleeve insulation that I found at a local hardware store that is used to insulate hot water pipes in houses. It fit nicely around the radiator, was easy to work with, looked great, was meant for hot applications, and was inexpensive. I have no comparison data between cars with and without the foam, but I believe that the foam helps the cooling system and I use it on my modern Jaguars.
I agree with Paul — it is really not difficult …nor expensive. I bought some swimming pool “noodles” floats for the grandkids - - - re-purposed one or two. Cost me about 6 bucks
Thanks…I will probably find some backer rod and shove it in there then… any ideas on the size of the gap I’ll need to bridge? I’d like to be prepared when I get my recored radiator back from the shop.
I don’t remember the exact sizes off-hand, but when I was doing mine, I noticed Mr. Palm had the sizes listed in his book. Standard AC foam available at any of the big box stores.
When I pulled my radiator last year to have it rodded I replaced the foam around it. I used some window ac foam from Home Depot, I think it was 11/2 worked perfect
I have used foam from lowes at least on several cars , they have held up pretty good after 5 or 6 years .
you have to buy the wide one for the side and cut the width in half to fit tight.
for the top and bottom the skinny self adhesive foam.
I don’t know if this helps or not, but here’s the part numbers for the foam or as the part catalog states radiator seals.
SNG and Terry’s Jag both had some of the bits you’re looking for.
upper and lower C435784 Discontinued…
Bottom end seal C435785
Right Side, CAC2321
Left Side, CAC3129 Discontinued
Cross Member CCC5018 Discontinued
For what ever it’s worth, computer packing foam. I tested it’s melting point with a heat gun and a IR thermometer. The foam I used didn’t start to melt until about 300F which if the radiator got that hot, then the melting foam was the least of my worries.
I cut up a bunch of pieces and stuck them together with foam adhesive 3M 74 foam adhesive
For what ever it’s worth.
at least you’ve got part numbers.