Sand all over engine bay after beach run

[Overcurrent]

Took my Gen 4 out to Corolla over Labor Day and it did well. Didn't run it hard but.....afterward there was sand in every conceivable crack and crevice in the engine bay, even after a 200 mile ride home. It took two evenings with the shop vac and/or the compressor to get the sand out. There was at least a cup full of sand on top of the engine, on the top of the "v" under the EFI system. Incidentally, there was no sand in the air cleaner (intake side or engine side).

Is this typical for a Gen 4?
Never had this issue with my F150s, Excursion, or 98 GC (my old 97 Exploder never went to the beach, long story)

I've acquired a front hitch and am working at making/installing a front skid plate (thanks Ronin for all of your input!) and am hoping that blocking the majority of the gap between the radiator and the crossmember will reduce the sand intrusion....but I also see that it is wide open between the wheelwells and the engine bay.
Has anyone added any sort of coverings (rubber? fiber?) to close or reduce those openings? Any other suggestions?

 

[Flag Gibby]

Be careful to not close it off too much since all the air from the radiator fan ends up coming down and out the bottom and you could cause the engine bay to run hotter than before. As far as the wheel wells go, they seem to be closed off pretty good since the A arms have to be able to travel up and down.