Replacement Mesh (Flag) Grill and Engine Temperature

[2015er]

I purchased a replacement mesh style (American Flag) grill to install in my 2018 JL Wrangler Rubicon with a 2.0 turbo motor. I was about to install it and I read an article about the Gladiator grill having wider holes in its grill to provide better cooling - especially when towing. So I got to thinking - this new replacement grill has smaller holes - so could the reverse be true? Do smaller holes reduce cooling capacity? Especially for this 4 cyl. turbo.

So question: Has anyone with the similar flag grill or mesh grill had any cooling problems with the new grill?

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[Crusifix]

Yes. Anything that lets less air in will reduce the amount of air getting to the radiator.

 

[viper88]

I read the same article. It sounds like the FCA engineers really exhausted every possible option while trying to get every last bit of airflow into the cooling system. Your new grill with smaller openings will probably reduce some efficiency. It might be a cause of concern if your towing on super hot days up and down hills. That is the extreme. The real question is will it reduce airflow enough to be problematic for your daily driving? I doubt it would in daily normal driving. You bought it already. I'd put the new grill on and keep a eye on your operating temps. Pay closer attention if your towing in extreme temps. You can always remove it.

 

[Bryce]

I'd also be concerned about restricting airflow in slow off-road conditions.
In DD situations unless you get into heavy traffic, it should be OK

 

[TrailTorque]

I have the same grille and for months now.

While the rig is not my DD.

I have driven it to work several times, road trips, and wheelin.

I’ve got about 9,000 miles running that grille without noticeable increased engine compartment temps or any other issues. I’m in Florida heat 90-100+.

Alarmists need to stop.

 

[Wanted33]

Just remember that the turbo needs extra cooling. That's not an alarm, that's a fact. But, as stated above give it a try, you may be just fine. With the ground clearance of a Jeep the turbo may get enough air circulation around it that the screen won't cause you any problems.

 

[melendez69]

^ ^ ^ Same here... ^ ^ ^ Not my daily; occasionally driven to work, mostly for long beach trips... I switch out grilles out every so often & no noticeable change in temps.

 

[Crusifix]

I have the same grille and for months now.

While the rig is not my DD.

I have driven it to work several times, road trips, and wheelin.

I’ve got about 9,000 miles running that grille without noticeable increased engine compartment temps or any other issues. I’m in Florida heat 90-100+.

Alarmists need to stop.

You also have the 3.6

 

[TrailTorque]

You also have the 3.6

I know the direction you’re headed and we can go there but it doesn’t make a difference in this specific situation.

 

[Ahmed]

The least expensive solution
Just Make it functional

 

[Crusifix]

I am going to go with the engineers on this one. They saw a greater need for cooling with the JT... Yes, mainly due to towing, but apparently their finding found that the JL grill was boarderline as well, and for the 2.0t at the knifes edge. I have also heard down wind from a supplier that 2021 JL's with the 2.0 will at least be getting the JT style grill, and perhaps the 3.6 and Diesel engine as well.

 

[TrailTorque]

I am going to go with the engineers on this one. They saw a greater need for cooling with the JT... Yes, mainly due to towing, but apparently their finding found that the JL grill was boarderline as well, and for the 2.0t at the knifes edge. I have also heard down wind from a supplier that 2021 JL's with the 2.0 will at least be getting the JT style grill, and perhaps the 3.6 and Diesel engine as well.

This is actually groundbreaking news here.

So, to clarify, you’re saying that FCA Engineers have identified the JL grille as being borderline (almost too restrictive) for engine compartment temperatures during operation; that the JL 2.0T motor is on that line and that because of this FCA Engineers are going to use the JT grille going forward on the 2021 JL 2.0T/3.6/Diesel?

So, basically we should expect a massive recall very soon from FCA on all 2018 & 2019 JL Wranglers because right now all of us are driving around with engine compartments so hot right at that knifes edge that any little thing could result in a blown motor due to engine overheating.
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Okay enough joking around lol

They saw a greater need for cooling with the JT... Yes, mainly due to towing

That’s it. Towing. Very simple. There is no conspiracy.

Relax, enjoy your Rig and mod away! A small, thin mesh grille insert will not harm anything.

 

[TrailTorque]

I placed std. house screen behind the grill (3.6 motor) to control bugs and sand getting into cooling fins. Had to pull it, very first 4x4 trail with up hill crawling, the coolant temps. went to 235* and the cooling fan went into max. speed mode.

A standard house screen is meant for a house man lol But +1 for the ingenuity and creativeness!

 

[brazos]

More air to radiator: Good thing.

Less air to radiator: Bad thing.

I take a back seat to no one in my regard for our flag, nor in gratitude to men like Morton who laid their lives on the line for us.

Seems like a dumb place to put a flag to me though.

No one is denying that it restricts air flow. Bad thing.

 

[TrailTorque]

More air to radiator: Good thing.

Less air to radiator: Bad thing.

I take a back seat to no one in my regard for our flag, nor in gratitude to men like Morton who laid their lives on the line for us.

Seems like a dumb place to put a flag to me though.

No one is denying that it restricts air flow. Bad thing.

Thanks buddy!

Yeah I think the end all for this is yes, it restricts maybe a c_nts hair of air flow but not to the point of blowing a motor up. Otherwise mesh grille inserts would be no where on the market to be found. Just my take and also did I mention I have 9k miles on mine and no increased temps?

Also, they are made that way to protect your radiator from rocks and such and are tested extensively before hitting the markets.

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