Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Engine compartment heat

LJDC

LJDC

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2023
Messages
300
Location
D.C.
I’m noticing that the engine compartment gets really hot—the prop bar and hood are way too hot to touch after driving ordinary distances (25 mins). I’m probably not describing it well.

I know that hood vents are a mixed bag. Should I consider other options? Should I even worry about engine-compartment heat if the dash shows normal temps?
 
LJDC said:
I’m noticing that the engine compartment gets really hot—the prop bar and hood are way too hot to touch after driving ordinary distances (25 mins). I’m probably not describing it well.

I know that hood vents are a mixed bag. Should I consider other options? Should I even worry about engine-compartment heat if the dash shows normal temps?
Click to expand...

You should not worry. Everything you described is normal. Cook a burrito and enjoy the Jeep.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ColoJeep, LJDC and macleanflood
Does the hood liner (which my 2005 has but my 1998 didn’t) trap heat?
 
Yes.

If you're issue is the hood prop is too hot for you to touch immediately after driving, the solution is some kind of hood prop cover (or a pair of gloves), not cooling down the engine bay.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheBoogieman
https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...oves&msclkid=0fe6ff733a5e163199bf99ed04373b3c

1721646872003.png
 
LJDC said:
Does the hood liner (which my 2005 has but my 1998 didn’t) trap heat?
Click to expand...
Does it trap heat, yes. Does it protect the paint on the hood, yes. There are some trade offs that the hood insulation will have.

I don't ever use the hood prop. I always just lay the hood back on the windshield frame. It gives you much better lighting and access to the engine compartment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdsouther
LJDC said:
Does the hood liner (which my 2005 has but my 1998 didn’t) trap heat?
Click to expand...

Hood liner? I've never seen an OEM TJ hood liner. Must have been installed by the OP. The answer is yes. Anything that keeps heat from leaving the engine compartment in this case radiating heat from the hood will increase compartment temperatures. I don't know why anyone would use a hood liner and for what purpose.
 
Rubiconned said:
Hood liner? I've never seen an OEM TJ hood liner. Must have been installed by the OP. The answer is yes. Anything that keeps heat from leaving the engine compartment in this case radiating heat from the hood will increase compartment temperatures. I don't know why anyone would use a hood liner and for what purpose.
Click to expand...
It is a hood paint protection thing most likely. The paint is known to "crow foot" or crack from the heat. One of the main reasons that new cars have them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LJDC and Rubiconned
LJDC said:
I’m noticing that the engine compartment gets really hot—the prop bar and hood are way too hot to touch after driving ordinary distances (25 mins). I’m probably not describing it well.

I know that hood vents are a mixed bag. Should I consider other options? Should I even worry about engine-compartment heat if the dash shows normal temps?
Click to expand...

The 2005’s hood paint seems to suffer crows feet from the engine heat. I think it was more of a problem with the paint than the engine heat.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LJDC and Artsifrtsi
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood
Rubiconned said:
Hood liner? I've never seen an OEM TJ hood liner. Must have been installed by the OP. The answer is yes. Anything that keeps heat from leaving the engine compartment in this case radiating heat from the hood will increase compartment temperatures. I don't know why anyone would use a hood liner and for what purpose.
Click to expand...

OEM hood liner on my '05:

Hood_Insulation_01.jpg


Hood_Insulation_02.jpg
 
  • Wow
  • Like
Reactions: ChadH, SSTJ, Rubiconned and 2 others
Artsifrtsi said:
Show off... lol.

What trims had the liner? I know my X did not come factory with one...
Click to expand...

I think I found which trim package had it once, but I can't find it now. It's an LJ, non-Rubi. I just looked through the Factory Option Sheet, but I don't see anything about the liner, so it must have been included with something else.
 
My ‘06 non-rubicon LJ didn’t have one when I bought in ‘16. No mention of it on the build sheet.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
Top Bottom
Back