Debris in air intake vents?

[Alex L]

After washing my car the other day I decided to take a look at the air intakes behind the front bumper.

To my horror, the far corners were absolutely packed with debris! There were leaves, twigs, dead things etc etc "" really packed tightly into the far corners on each side.

I managed to get 95% of the debris out (those remote corners were rather inaccessible) but I finished by thinking how much air was being stopped coming through the metal mesh ie. Was it choking the airflow thus depriving me of my much beloved horse power?!

I have the car for a year now, so I was also wondering if anyone else routinely cleans here?

 

[oliver]

It's probably the only criticsm I can find on the new 997 GT3. It does seem ludicrous that there aren't some grilles to prevent leaves and other debris from being ingested, and possibly damaging the rads. In fact, on the GT3, because the splitter is so low, if you hit a bird, rabbit, squirrel, etc, it would scoop it straight in[&:]

 

[Geoff_Fields]

I attempt to clean mine with hose attatchment on vacuum cleaner but not 100% successful. Also considered aftermarket mesh grills but concerns over airflow. Any recommendations from others greatfully received.

 

[Simon Grey]

Alex

Have already suffered damage to my car in this area, requiring the replacement of one of the rads. The dealer told me it was stone damage fracturing a vein in the rad. Can't remember how much it was to replace but it wasn't cheap !!

Why don't they fit a grill of some kind ?

SG

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: Alex L

. . . To my horror, the far corners were absolutely packed with debris! There were leaves, twigs, dead things etc etc "" really packed tightly into the far corners on each side.

If you think that's bad check this link out http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=282508&highlight=bird

ORIGINAL: Simon Grey

. . . Why don't they fit a grill of some kind ?

SG

There are some third party grills available but Porsche do not approve these because of possible adverse impact on cooling, presume debris is approved [&:].

 

[m33Porsche]

Only rememdy for me was to enlist the help of my 8 yo daughter, ie thin arms, and get her to reach into the far corner and retrieve the leaves - only cost me a quid - great deal

 

[david_yorkshire]

Best remedy is to remove the front PU once in a while & give it a thorough clean out.
Mine's got the aerokit, so I know what you mean about scooping up the roadkill!

 

[Rob Edwards]

Hi
My local OPC offered to remove the front PU and clean it out - however, after diligent removal (and using a powerful vac) I can't see anything substantial in there, so saved myself £118 extra at time of service.
I have heard of rads corroding due to excessive detritus, so may be worth doing if very noticeable - in the left hand 'pod' there is also (I believe) part of the aircon unit which may also be affected.
I guess it depends on personal choice!
Rob