[JKCTAZ]

I have an Ideal HeatSeeker in my arsenal and I decided to mess around with it while it's nice and hot outside. I just thought I would share my images with you fine folks as I don't recall anyone ever taking the time to do something like this...

As you can see from the last two, the cats and the manifolds are huge contributors to under hood excess temperatures. The camera I have is not a 30,000.00 FLIR so these images are not as high resolution as I would like, but it gives the idea of where the heat is and what causes it.

I hope this sheds some light on why venting these JK's is so important.

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

I think it doesn't hurt to run a different hood setup and you have a cool toy to play with...but what major problems are arising due to a lack of underhood "heat dissipation", thus making it so important?

 

[JKCTAZ]

I think it doesn't hurt to run a different hood setup and you have a cool toy to play with...but what major problems are arising due to a lack of underhood "heat dissipation", thus making it so important?

A "gimme" is how excess heat affects the plastic and rubber under the hood. Also, lowering the underhood temp could help extend the life of the crack prone DS exhaust manifold. Those are two reasons off the top of my head to actively work on reducing those temps.

 

[FireTrail741]

Remove the fender skirting.,that would be a good start.

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

A "gimme" is how excess heat affects the plastic and rubber under the hood. Also, lowering the underhood temp could help extend the life of the crack prone DS exhaust manifold. Those are two reasons off the top of my head to actively work on reducing those temps.

Ehh I'm not too sure on the exhaust manifold cracking a bit of a stretch, likely just a stress concentration within the design that favors that runner joint.

Is the rubber and plastic under the hood failing or getting brittle on peoples rigs? Mine seem to be holding up so far.

I'm playing devils advocate if you can't tell.

 

[jkrubitm]

I like what you did. It shows just how hot these jeeps can get. If you have the time can you take it one step further.
If you can find someone that has a louver on their hood and then check it with your Heat Seeker.

 

[jvandy50]

Always good to see a reason for such an expensive mod

 

[jeeperjkjeeper]

Not sure how much heat the louver dissipates but I feel much better while I am seeing the heat rays exit my hood while I am stopped.....I also removed my inner fenders....I must say that the dreaded cracked exhaust manifold led me down this path and I am happy with where it's at now...

 

[JKCTAZ]

Ehh I'm not too sure on the exhaust manifold cracking a bit of a stretch, likely just a stress concentration within the design that favors that runner joint.

Is the rubber and plastic under the hood failing or getting brittle on peoples rigs? Mine seem to be holding up so far.

I'm playing devils advocate if you can't tell.

Yeah, you sound like my Wife!

The plastics and rubber are a general issue with all vehicles. I had vehicles in the past crack clips and have vent/breather hoses become brittle after only a few years from the ridiculous heat that we see here in AZ. YMMV.

The manifold might be a stretch, but, any time you reduce mechanically generated heat you extend machine life.

 

[Uncle Sams Misguided Child]

Dude bring it on down. We can knock out your hood louver in no time. I don't mind taking cut off wheels to other peoples hoods.

 

[Rottenbelly]

The area around my alternator was getting so hot it was melting the black plastic tubing around the wires.
I also noticed in the winter that spot always defrosted first.
I added the hood vents and later added a 6.5 inch fan to push hot air out from the vent.
Now the main fan cycles less and the A/c cools better.

 

[JKCTAZ]

The area around my alternator was getting so hot it was melting the black plastic tubing around the wires.
I also noticed in the winter that spot always defrosted first.
I added the hood vents and later added a 6.5 inch fan to push hot air out from the vent.
Now the main fan cycles less and the A/c cools better.

I noticed while shooting those IR shots that most of the heat was apparent on the drivers side where the exhaust manifold was and by the front of the engine. Your statement supports my observation.

 

[jss]

We have seen high under hood temps on, the 3.8L, Hemi and the LS. A good hood would help, just look out for the AEV hood and Louvers. Water can get in your Alt, and wiring. Not a good idea!

 

[Rottenbelly]

Side note. I live down south, it rains a lot and I do a lot of mudding.
I wash under the hood at the car wash and have not had a problem with electronics........yet.
I am careful when spraying around under the hood. The rain drips down thru the vents but not in a spot where it affects the electronics any.

 

[bluewave]

We have seen high under hood temps on, the 3.8L, Hemi and the LS. A good hood would help, just look out for the AEV hood and Louvers. Water can get in your Alt, and wiring. Not a good idea!

that's why you need a real hood like these!!!

 

[ronjenx]

I went a more aggressive route to lower under-hood temps.
Everything under the hood is running cooler by a wide margin.
Here's the thread: http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76475

 

[TXROCK]

I have replaced most of my wire looms due to literally crumbling when you grab them because of the engine heat making them brittle! I have louvers on mine which have helped some and depending on the daylight, you can see the "heat wave" coming from them.

 

[TEXASKEV]

I don't like the look of louvers. They look like an after thought that was added. And I don't think that my JK needs aditional cooling. But I do run the AEV hood. And on hot days I can see heat radiating up and out of the vents. But to be honest I just put it on because the JK flat hood is ugly.

 

[Chipewa]

I run the PSC louver. My underhood temps jumped dramatically with the addition of a Sprintex supercharger and the louvers let the heat escape. IMO hood venting of some kind should always be added with installation of a SC. Regarding water problems under the hood with vents: I have 114000 miles on my 07, regularly powerwash the engine/bay and have had zero water related problems. A few raindrops will not cause problems.

 

[Uncle Sams Misguided Child]

I understand that a lot of the electrical is up high but the whole engine compartment is not watertight. Water will get in no matter what.