I have noticed some people here using LeBaron vents on their hoods, and I have seen some louvered panels available from the aftermarket. I have access to a louver press and am considering venting the hood. My question is if anyone who has done any of these has run into any issues with water getting into the engine compartment? Are there any areas that should not get wet, or any precautions to consider?

Thanks, Doug

 

I got a louvered hood and it has been on my xj for almost two years with no issues with water damaging any electric sensors if you got a louver press I say do it I think it would look better then a after market panel

 

Way better than installing aftermarket. Wish I could have mine pressed in. I have them and never an issue. When I wash it I try not to direct water in the wrong direction is all. As for rain and weather never any at all.

 

Think about hot rods have used louvered hoods and sides for 50 years it can't be wrong.

 

I don't believe I've ever seen a 32 highboy parked outside a garage let alone tromped threw the mud.

 

Water gets into the engine compartment every time you drive on a wet road. As long as you keep your electrical connectors greased, water won't be a problem. If you are worried about it, make a trough to direct the water to the sides or back of the engine bay. Just lower it so there's a small gap for hot air to escape.

As for the usefulness of louvres, they won't affect your temperature gauge because they don't affect your coolant temperature. They will, however, lower the underhood temps and prolong the life of rubber hoses, gaskets, and possibly some electronics. Also, it would look pretty sick

 

HEY Doug,
Just thought I'd let you know that my hood is in the mail.

 

Dielectric grease is your friend! Water will never be an issue.

 

Yea its great I used it on every plug in the engine bay

 

Actually, that is why I asked. I know of a hot rod guy that had his hood louvered. Water dripped right on the stud for the air cleaner while it was parked at a show and went through the carb and straight into a cylinder, it hydrolocked when started and bent a rod. Obviously an oddball situation, but strange things can happen. The dielectric grease makes a lot of sense, even if you do not have louvers. Thanks EZEarl, I was looking for an extra hood... Thanks for the replies.
Doug

 

Question on dielectric grease since I've seen a lot of conflicting information.

Do people put it inside the plug on the actual connections or just basically around the plug once it's already plugged in?

I have hood vents in the mail that I'm hoping to install this weekend and want to grease everything at the same time.

 

First I spray both connectors with contact cleaner only. Then I apply the dielectric grease liberally across the face of the female connector making sure each contact has some before connecting the two together. In fact I just did that to the wife's Blazer's 4x4 cotrol module and stopped it from blowing fuses..............................so far.