Blocking off Fresh Air Vent

I don't think anyone is going to actually suffocate and die. The system is designed though to allow some fresh air in. The recirc isn't a completely sealed system.

 

I hope you were careful to replace the pins on either side of the cowling. I had a windshield replacement where the tech didn't reinstall the pins. I ended up getting water in the cab when it rained via the the blower. Water spraying all over the passenger foot well. I was BS!! I also lost the trim pieces on the windshield because those weren't properly replaced either. I had to go to Toyota dealer and buy $65 worth of parts. My insurance company (liberty mutual) mad sure that safelite reimbursed me for the parts which i installed myself. Leak solved.

Recirc must not be working if it still pulls air from outside. I'm not convinced that long term use of this setup won't cause damage to the blower or some other part.

 

That would be an $800 dollar option.

 

http://blog.nwautos.com/2011/04/even_recirculating_setting_brings_in_some_outside_air.html

 

After a few months that spray foam is going to start to break free from the smooth surfaces and squeak like hell as the cab flexes going down the road. A ton of people learned that lesson the hard way using the stuff as sound deadening BITD when it first hit the shelves.

 

Very interesting article, thanks for posting!

 

the design of intake allows big stuff like leaves to get in there

any type of crap can block the door from closing all the way

 

Lets see, the fresh air come on automatically that should tell you some thing, if you push and hold the rec. button it stays that way closing off the fresh air until you turn the truck or the HVAC off. Hey spray foam is cheap have at it who cares if it rains inside of the truck and the glass ices over inside in the winter.

 

I use the recirc button when I spot a dead skunk in time.

 

The "Great Stuff" I used years ago in a vehicle held moisture and caused Great Rust. Maybe the new stuff doesn't do that. Maybe.

 

I've used it over the years it doesn't absorb any moisture, but it does seal cracks and voids. Did you plug up any drain holes when you used it?

 

Nope, but moisture eventually got between it and the metal, resulting in rust. I couldn't see the rust til it ate through to the other side a few years later.

 

Thanks I'll paint over it!

 

Ok, but if it were me I would get that Stuff outta there and fix the damned recirc door so the ventilation system works as designed.

 

Thinking "outside the box" does not automatically get commendation...because its not always a good thing. In my opinion, theres a good reason to be drawing outside air. A quality filter could help with the fumes the OP experienced. I have never had an issue with fumes or smells. I sit in traffic multiple days a week and never catch exhaust fumes in the cabin. With windows up and the vents open, the only smell I get is my own farts...and I don't mind that because everyone likes their own brand.

 

Man I thought I was the only one who liked my own personal brand!

 

Closed-cell foam provides a vapor barrier, a harder finish and higher R-value
Canned foam like GREAT STUFF™ is a closed-cell foam that comes in “single-component” form. The closed-cell foam that contractors use on large-scale spray foam jobs is also known as “two-component” foam or polyurethane foam. Two chemical compounds are blended together at the application nozzle, causing the expanding foam reaction.

Even though it’s more expensive to install than open-cell foam, closed-cell foam is often preferred for insulation projects because it offers higher R-value –between R-6 and R-7.1 per in.; and because it forms an effective moisture barrier. The ability to block moisture transmission while also providing air sealing and high insulation value is an advantage in many applications.

 

Op, I don't know where you live, but if it gets cold and snowy, you're screwed unless you drive around in the winter with open windows. When it's warm/hot in the cabin and cold outside, your breath and sweat will form vapor that condenses on the inside of your glass. Recirculating the air means you're recirculating moist air and the situation will persist. That's when you'd normally use fresh air (defrost setting) to allow the drier air to enter tha cabin to alleviate the issue. It's why on most cars, if you have your vent set to recirc and turn on the defroster mode the recirc automatically turns off and opens the vents to the outside.

Arm and Hammer infused cabin filters are cheap and they have a charcoal dusting on them to help with outside odors. Your truck was designed with a fresh air opening for a reason.

Also, in the hot summer months, when you're blasting the AC with all the vents closed, you should open the vents just before shutting off the truck for the night. When the cold ducts start to warm up after you turn off the truck, there will be condensation formed and it cannot evaporate properly if you don't open the vents. This will cause a mildewy or stale smell in the cabin.

 

Thanks for your concerns, I live in the Orlando, Fl area. It gets cold but no ice like up north, will keep an eye on it. There wasn't an option for defrost years ago, living in the south I feel that it's worth a try. Worse case ether I'll roll down the window some or I'll just remove the foam if it becomes an issue, and then try a charcoal air filter.

 

Over 3 years later.... any regrets, or is it still working?