Foam cushion around radiator perimeter install or not

[abdiver]

Radiator Cushion Foam on my 350C JD dozer was 40 years old and pretty much gone or dry and just rubbed off it you touched it. Is it necessary for me to replace it before using the dozer to level some soil on flat ground? As it is supposed to rain Friday. I am hoping to have my tractor back together today. Still need to install hardnose. I would rather wait until after the job to do it if possible.

Thanks Bill T

[Jim B]

It will run without the foam, short term won't hurt in my opinion (I bet you can find many of them running with the foam missing). The foam and the foam baffle around the radiator filler neck help keep the engine compartment cleaner, helps some with vibration and proper air flow through the radiator.

[abdiver]

Thanks Jim B