Didn't know if it's one of those projects to do now or do later. I'm concerned about the paint on the hood and the expansion/contraction when colder weather comes. Should I be concerned?

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JHaburay

1972 280se 4.5 "princess"
1986 2.3-16v first 100 (099) USA

There are 3 functions for the hood pad: To minize heat tranfer from the engine to the metal hood; Sound/noise absorbtion; Flame retardant in the event of an engine fire. Most will agree that given the soot and oil soaked condition of some hood pads . . . . it probably fuels the fire.

Heat transfer: Heat will transfer thru the pad, only slower.

Sound/noise absorbtion: probably the main reason to have a pad.

Flame retardant: In case of fire, just RUN!

Replace it if you like.

Best Regards,
Jim

if you dont replace. just a little more noise. i dont replace them when they go bad. dont mind hearing the motor.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

the heat build up could cause a negative effect on the hood's paint.

I would replace

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

my saab cought fire today and the thing that fueled it most was the hood
pad... i stoped in front of a ladys house and she let me use her hose... and i got it out with and the car is salvageable... the fire dept got there about 10 minutes later.... (I will always carry a fire extinguisher from now on and I am going to rip out all the hood pads from now on...)

Its the hood pad that does most of the burning... and it transmits the fire to other places...

Sounds like a good reason for me to replace mine with one that is not oil soaked (from an unfortunate oil cooler line incident). I have heard of paint damage from running without one. The fire extinguisher sounds like a very good idea.

For modern engines, an halonite extinguisher might save some electronics. Although in a panic water might seem appropriate, it's just not the best thing for a fuel fire.

No problem, I don't have any modern engines

that i have been running wo the pads, no problems with paint.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Tom, I agree that the hood pad likely offers minimal heat protection to the hood. Large sections of the hood pad on our 1991 300CE are missing and I haven't gotten around to installing the new one yet; however, there has been no effect on the hood paint. Wax lasts as long as before, etc. I'd say the hood pads primarily absorb engine noise.

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Fred Hoelzle