Hood to Radiator Seal

[Lord Sparky]

What is the technical purpose of the ~43" rubber seal that attaches to the front of the hood and touches the metal rail in front of the radiator when closed?

I get that it keeps out some water when raining but does it effect cooling performance also?

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yes. It stops air from going through that area and redirects it through the grille instead.

 

[Professor Fate]

What is the technical purpose of the ~43" rubber seal that attaches to the front of the hood and touches the metal rail in front of the radiator when closed?

I get that it keeps out some water when raining but does it effect cooling performance also?

Yes, it keeps airflow from bypassing the radiator opening- it was part of the "Max cooling" packages among others.