Anybody on here have any experience with a FIA external radiator bug screen? I've had a screen on every truck I've owned, and I can't see much way to put one behind the grill on my 2019. Also, it looks like cleaning the radiator would be very difficult without some major disassembly, and there are a LOT of bugs in this area.

Another related question, would removing the square plastic inserts in the front bumper provide more airflow through the inter cooler.

 

I have the same issue out here in the bug infested country.
I need to clean all my other vehicle's radiators at least once a year but not my truck so far for the reasons you mentioned..
The big bugs like dragon flies, beetles, etc.are a PITA not only embedded in the radiator fins but also splattered on the bumper and grill.
I'm also interested in what others might have to say.
Bump.

 

Fill out your truck info in your signature or tell us about your truck. Right now we have no idea what youre driving.

 

I have strong metal screens in the grills of every vehicle I own. Not just because of bugs - but because twice in past years I've had rocks thrown up by other vehicles put a hole in my radiator. The immediate benefit was that I didn't have to brush the bugs out of the radiator.

This is what the grill on my E350 looked like after about 100 miles when the Monarch butterflies were swarming:


So when my F150 was still brand new I bought some powder-coated steel mesh at Home Depot, removed the grill, and fastened the mesh to the inside, taking care to make sure it would not interfere with the shutters. This stuff also covers the fog lights in the bumper because I've lost a couple of those to rocks (where I live most of the roads are dirt).


Removing the grille of the F150 is a pain; there are instructions on line as to how to do it. Well worth the effort, though.

 

I just cut a big piece of screen, removed the cover trim above the rad and I placed the screen behind the grille.
Works great!
(2018 Lariat with 5.0)

 

What I do to all my vehicles, except the rare ones I just can't get to without major disassembly, is to install fiberglass door screen material (small holes) in front of the radiator. On the F-150, I just had to remove the upper cover to access the area in front of the radiator. Unfortunately, it doesn't reach where the intercooler is, but I've noticed it's still squeaky clean, so the shutters obviously stay closed most of the time. I use the truck primarily for travel, so it has about 90% highway miles. The bugs wash off the fiberglass screen material really easy, but yes, you have to wash it yourself for best results, since car washes don't spray inside the grille well (or at all). Never an issue with airflow, and I live in hot TX. Oh, and I secure the screen with thin safety wire. Don't remember exactly where I did it, but it should be obvious once you're in there. Hope this helps.

 

You are right. I apologize for not providing any info, and I have taken care of that by putting info in signature. I'm glad you pointed that out, I wasn't thinking before I posted.