Trying to protect radiators with bug screen

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Dec 17, 2003 | 09:47 PM

reddhawk

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From: Emmett, ID USA

Trying to protect radiators with bug screen

OK, I give up! Does anyone know how to gain access to the front end of an Escape? I mean behind the front bumper/grill area to place a screen in front of the radiator and A/C condenser. Usually a screen can be slipped down in front of the radiator but the clearances are too tight on the Escape. It looks like the whole front bumper/grill has to be removed. I've got fog lights there, too. I'd like to keep that area free of bugs with a bug screen between the grill and radiator but I don't want to pay a body shop to remove that whole assembly. It appears to be one solid piece of molded plastic. from wheel well to wheel well.

Help!

Thanks.

Jan 3, 2004 | 11:36 AM

Escaped

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In order to install a 2" receiver hitch on my escape I had to remove the rear bumber assembly. The rear bumper cover is held in place by a set of 6 torque bolts on top and a few screw expansion fastners on the bottom. In addition the door stops and a set of small machine threaded bolts on the bottom pf the wheel well area needed to be removed. I then pulled it horizontally away from the rear of the vehicle. It had round headed posts on each rear quarter panel for stability. With the right tools it is very easy to remove. I suspect the front bumper assembly is very similar. Underneath the bumper cover was a 4X6 steel tube (1/4" thick I think). Held in place with four bolts requiring a deep well socket and an extension. What type of screen are you using for this? Does it have a frame or is it rigid enough on it's own? I have been trying to figure out how to change the rear spark plugs on the V6. Apperently I am in for a manifold replacement in order to access them.. The bumper cover is definately much easier than the plugs. HTH.
Ken

Jan 3, 2004 | 02:39 PM

reddhawk

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From: Emmett, ID USA

Reply to Escaped; concerning radiator bug screen

I would like to place a piece of screen in front of the radiator and behind the front bumper/cover area. I could hang it with string or ties or whatever works. A suggestion was made that a screen could be placed there from the top after undoing and pulling back the plastic cover. It looks pretty tight that way so I haven't tried it yet. But it might be the easiest without completly removing the front end. I'll take a look to check out your suggestion, though. I appreciate the help. Thanks.

As for the rear plugs I would check out accessing those cylinders from underneath, somehow, before removing the manifold. I haven't been able to find a printed shop manual yet, but I found a CD of the Ford version on e-bay. I haven't researched it yet but I will soon, before I try anything that might require disasembling.