missing shield under the engine bay

[red-z]

Hi I noticed my recently purchased S-Type doesn't have a tray/shield beneath the engine bay which I understand it should have.  How important is this shield? What purpose does it serve?  It will certainly make servicing easier not being there and I guess that's why it has been left off at some stage in the past. Should I be concerned and be looking to replace it or just not bother?

[Guest]

Don't know for sure but I imagine it will improve how the car travels through the air with less turbulence underneath therefore better mpg and also it will protect the underside of the car from the worst winter can throw at it. Suppose it depends how long yours has been missing and what damage, corrosion wise, has occurred. Depending on how much one will cost and if you can get a salvaged one I would probably think it best to fit one. There should be 3 in total. a small one under the front bumper, one under the engine and one under the gearbox, all connected together as one with screws.

 

Hope this helps. 

[Old Peter]

I agree with Harvey, Robin.  They are there for a reason if only to catch the bits that you drop.

 

Just really a bit of protection.

 

Peter.

[Mr Lawrence]

I lost count of the amount of them I had to remove at the roadside when I was a recovery mechanic.

[Raistlin]

They are designed to help with maintaining the temperature of the engine bay, also to protect components from muck and water ingress. they also reduce noise levels and, most importantly, assist in the aerodynamics of the car.

 

They are also designed to annoy people because the fasteners rust into their clips resulting in the fasteners twisting uselessly when trying to remove them  

[Mr Lawrence]

I take it you've not managed to get yours off!!??

[Raistlin]

I take it you've not managed to get yours off!!??

 

 

(*&^%^%$£%^&*())*&^%$£"$%^%$  

 

That'll be a NO then. Still hoping there is a way which doesn't involve even more damage being caused Andy.

[Mr Lawrence]

Good luck.