did I get everyone's attention? good I hope so, all kidding aside, this is something to be aware of; as you know when I pull in the garage, I open the hood to let all of the heat escape. Tonight I found (you guessed it) "BUGS" on the condenser and I am sure on the front of the intercooler. You may say it's no big thing, and it probably isn't right now, but I suggest that you don't let a build up of bugs, or anything else collect on these areas, as over time, without keeping them clean, air flow will deminish over time. Because of the size of the grill opening, you can see how easy it is for "things" to pass through and collect there. Just thought I pass this on, so we can keep our SS's running great all of the time......Mr. Anal

 

So what would you recommend to clean and/or prevent this? A gentle cleaning with a really soft bristle brush? Or if I put some window screen material behind the grill would this affect airflow to the intercooler or engine cooling? Thanks man.

 

Another member sent me a PM about the screen, that is a thought, but may also cut down on air flow. What I do is get a wet cloth (microfiber)(wrung out) and gently wipe the condenser, or use a vac to suck up the bugs. Since I open my hood every night when I come home, it's no problem.
It's much easier to do a PM(preventive maintance) program, than wait until a problem develops. Not saying you have to do every day, but should at least check once a week.

 

Cool. I just got my SS Tuesday and plan to detail it this weekend. I will have to clean with the microfiber like you suggested. Spring time in Kansas means LOTS of bugs doing a kamikaze into my new ride.

 

Congrats on your new SS, and a BFM post some pics when you get a chance.....

 

Why?

Anal or not I can't image any sane reason for doing this.

 

Is this the same "Mr. Anal" who purchased an SS with a running board on one side and a ground effect on the other?

Opening the hood to let out heat isn't going to do a whole lot. If you're really pushing the car, your best bet is to let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool off the oil in the turbo before you shut the car off. There are a lot of "turbo timers" out there that are kind of a remote starter in reverse for this purpose. I don't know if any can be adapted to the HHR and you definitely wouldn't want to use it inside the garage, but they're a lot more efficient than just leaving the hood open.

 

As long as you are planning on going under the hood to detail, try using "FLITZ" on the A/C lines and the top of the intercooler. I did mine and other than a tired finger, I ended up with what looks like chrome lines and cooler top. I'm going to try the valve cover and the items under the air box but think they are going to be too rough to do by hand.

You can't keep it too clean.

 

While your cleaning out the condensor..

Don't forget the radiator cooling fins...

 

the reason being is to let the hot "engine heat", escape from underneath the hood, for the sole purpose of letting the hood cool down. if it has been raining, etc., you really don't want to park in the garage with moisture on the hood and let the engine heat bake it in....do you???? again, this is how water spots, etching, etc., etc., bakes in your hood. trust me, I've been there before. Remember if you are not as ANAL as me, then you don't have to worry and leave things as they are. just trying to pass on tips I have learned in the past

yes it is me picking up the ground effect in the AM, just having a slight problem removing the running board
on the heat issue, read the above response, this has nothing to do with "turbo heat", strictly engine heat for any vehicle.....

thanks for the tip, will try that product

how true, but if you keep the condenser clean, chances are the radiator fins will be fine also, if you let the bugs build up then they may filter through to the radiator fins in due time.....