Missing leaf catcher grills

[SilverSlug]

Just noticed that the grills are missing from the leaf catcher vents...

I pulled out tons of gunk, mulchy leaf debris out of them... and wondering how far do those ports go?

Can I spray water in there to fully clean them out?

Do I need to buy leaf cached grills? Or okay to live life without them??

[Helmsman]

You mean in the rear engine bay? Clean/rinse them out, and buy new!

[SilverSlug]

Yes, the ports near the rear of the engine on the sides, near the hinges (photos of the ports below, as well as the missing grills).

Is it okay to put a garden hose in there and flush them out?

[Helmsman]

They certainly withstand water so I'd say so, they are meant to drain.

[SilverSlug]

So the product detail description of these grills on ECS says "Keep the debris out of your micro-filter"

What is the micro-filter?? Is there one on each side?


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...RoC7-oQAvD_BwE

[roastbeef]

micro filters are the big panels up by the windshield wipers.

[SilverSlug]

Big panels?

Are you by any chance referring to the four cabin filters underneath the two panels near the windshield wipers?

[roastbeef]

Yes

[SilverSlug]

Ah okay. I guess I don't understand how having those grilles in place will cause less debris going into those filters... If no grilles, the debris just falls deeper into those ports, no?

My ports were completely clogged with dense mulchy leaf debris... I pulled out almost enough debris to fill a Trader Joe's bag of spinach from each side.

[Helmsman]

Good job, keep that lovely engine bay clean mate!

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

Ah okay. I guess I don't understand how having those grilles in place will cause less debris going into those filters... If no grilles, the debris just falls deeper into those ports, no?

My ports were completely clogged with dense mulchy leaf debris... I pulled out almost enough debris to fill a Trader Joe's bag of spinach from each side.

It helps if one pulls the shite out of it semi regularly.. it'll make ice tea if you leave them in there long enough

[SilverSlug]

So there is a drain at the bottom or no? Where do they flow out?

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

So there is a drain at the bottom or no? Where do they flow out?

Pour water down it and you'll see

[Davisca455]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

So there is a drain at the bottom or no? Where do they flow out?

It drains off into an area between the back of the front fender liner and the body panel.
It can build up and stick between the fender liner and the body.
I discovered this when I replaced my window washer pump.
In the picture, you can see the area where I broke off the dried on mud build up, and I also had to clean the other half of the build up off the body panel.

[Pheonix]

I could be wrong but i think the car is also pulling fresh air from these two vents? I would just purchase the replacement and keep these as clean as possible.

[maxxxboost]

IMO, buy the replacements. It is a small price to pay for something that was suppose to be there in the first place.

[SilverSlug]

Indeed, I figured the same and already ordered them.