bdegrand Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I noticed there are shields now covering the undercarriage of the engine area on all Ford cars. Impossible to change the oil on your own...at least difficult. I heard it's been going on for over 5 yrs. I always had dealer change my oil....but was curious as to why they are using this shield . What is the purpose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Aerodynamics, usually. My wife's old Volkswagon Passat had one. I cut a hole where the drain plug was, and oil changes were easy. (The filter was accessible from above) Unless it's flat, don't try using a hole saw on the ABS. Use either a drywall or sabre saw, or a Dremel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Not impossible at all. It zips right off with 8 torx head screws and goes back on just as easily. Takes no more than 2 minutes. It's a minor annoyance. It's done for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I found the plastic Torx screws wear quickly and the cover wouldn't stay in place very well, which is why I cut the hole. (4" diameter was sufficient) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 All of my Torx screws are metal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdegrand Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Not impossible at all. It zips right off with 8 torx head screws and goes back on just as easily. Takes no more than 2 minutes. It's a minor annoyance. It's done for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Another purpose is to prevent fluids from dripping on garage floor? Ha! Ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Another purpose is to prevent fluids from dripping on garage floor? Ha! Ha! For me that's actually a downside. If I have a leak I'd like to know about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal50 Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 It is easy to remove and adds another step in changing your own oli. My dad purchased a new Escape ( Ecoboost ) and the top side of the engine has a huge cover over it as well. Really strange looking when you pop the hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiredMotorCompany Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 For me that's actually a downside. If I have a leak I'd like to know about it. And it prevents drips only until it fills up, then...........drip, drip, drip. But now, you can't be sure of the source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Keeps the engine bay a lot cleaner as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 May cut down on some road noise as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdegrand Posted June 21, 2014 Author Share Posted June 21, 2014 May cut down on some road noise as well. Also possibly prevent some front undercarriage corrosion from salt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Maybe they are planning to do away with the hood down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiredMotorCompany Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Maybe they are planning to do away with the hood down the road. That would make one heck of a mess in the road. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 My Taurus has thumb screws on the cover, which make it pretty easy to remove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoinWorkDaily Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 It's really not too difficult to remove - just takes an extra couple minutes for an oil change. The aforementioned pros definitely outweigh the few extra minutes to take off and put back on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Piece of cake-but agree with AK- I want to know if I have an oil leak. Plus lost one of the screws so I now have a zip tie on one corner as temp. fix. Haven't stopped at dealer parts counter but will bet I get a strange look-..."you want a what??" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Piece of cake-but agree with AK- I want to know if I have an oil leak. Plus lost one of the screws so I now have a zip tie on one corner as temp. fix. Haven't stopped at dealer parts counter but will bet I get a strange look-..."you want a what??" Haha...I had to get new A pillar interior clips for my SHO (had a custom made one given to me by a friend) and the first thing the guy asked me was, oh you put gauges in?! I guess it was a common occurrence with Mustang guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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