Product idea - Under engine cover with service access flaps

[HenryFord]

We have a discussion going on MTC and one of the common frustrations that keep coming up is the under body/under engine panel that Ford uses. It has 15 bolts that have to be removed to pull the panel out just to get access to the oil filter and the drain plug. I would love to see a panel like this BUT with access/service flaps for the oil drain plug and to get to the oil filter. I think others would be interested in an item like this if the price is reasonable. There really shouldn't be any reason to have to remove a large panel just to access routine maintenance items. Would Mabett be interested in making something like that for the Maverick? I don't know how different the Eco is from the Hybrid so it may need a panel based on which engine you have. Just tossing it out here to see if there is any interest. Thanks!

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[Glen Baker LLC]

Something that has access panels like this rival skid plate would be nice

 

[TwuckHappens]

A custom splash guard would be difficult to ship and probably cost more than people are willing to pay for a limited group of people that diy oil changes regularly enough to be a significant inconvenience.

I've thought about cutting a hole and making a 3d printed cover but my oil changes are free with points still and honestly it takes like 10 minutes to get the panel off. it's more annoying that I actually have to jack the truck up to do an oil change.

 

[Waterick]

A custom splash guard would be difficult to ship and probably cost more than people are willing to pay for a limited group of people that diy oil changes regularly enough to be a significant inconvenience.

I've thought about cutting a hole and making a 3d printed cover but my oil changes are free with points still and honestly it takes like 10 minutes to get the panel off it's more annoying that I actually have to jack the truck up to do an oil change.

I used ramps to do my oil change. It would seem that Mabett or who ever marketed this could find a way to package it for shipping even if a hinged or assembly type product. Would be nice not to have to drop that whole panel every time. It's more of a worry if I don't do all the changes myself, because I know that some oil techs will eventually strip some fasteners or omit a few down the line. Only getting worse with time.

 

[Maverick123]

Just make an easy-access panel that you install on the OEM shield

Remove it once - cut out the access panel size - install access panel - reinstall OEM shield for the last time

 

[JMJB]

Would it be the end of the world if we just left the cover off .......none of my other vehicles have one ....

 

[JMJB]

....or cut a hole for the drain plug and filter .....after all , Ford already cut a bunch of holes in the cover ....

 

[TwuckHappens]

I used ramps to do my oil change. It would seem that Mabett or who ever marketed this could find a way to package it for shipping even if a hinged or assembly type product. Would be nice not to have to drop that whole panel every time. It's more of a worry if I don't do all the changes myself, because I know that some oil techs will eventually strip some fasteners or omit a few down the line. Only getting worse with time.

Yes ramps or a jack stand etc will get you the access - my Subaru was actually much easier to service and work under surprisingly and oil filter on the top. My point being though I thing there's a small set of people that actually diy their own oil changes and less that do other service- it's hard to see there being a large market for it. I think the rival skid plate is actually well priced for what it is and would imagine and ABS version imported from China would be well over $100.

These would be imported from overseas and the only securing holes are near the edges so I'd imagine a large abs mold would be damaged easily.

An easier way to make it work would be to ship a template and then an access door to cut in the existing splash guard with a box cutter and the such.

 

[Waterick]

An easier way to make it work would be to ship a template and then an access door to cut in the existing splash guard with a box cutter and the such.

Yes, some members here have made some on their own and been quite resourceful. This is probably the best way. Someone might be able to provide a kit for doing this at a profit. In the meantime, I need to inspect above this panel periodically so it's really not that big of a deal.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

with the 10-15k oil changes, taking the cover off 1-2 times a year doesn't seem like that much trouble to me. No, you do not need to change your synthetic oil more than once every 10k miles, and going 15k is perfectly fine, old man.

 

[Dannoo]

We have a discussion going on MTC and one of the common frustrations that keep coming up is the under body/under engine panel that Ford uses. It has 15 bolts that have to be removed to pull the panel out just to get access to the oil filter and the drain plug. I would love to see a panel like this BUT with access/service flaps for the oil drain plug and to get to the oil filter. I think others would be interested in an item like this if the price is reasonable. There really shouldn't be any reason to have to remove a large panel just to access routine maintenance items. Would Mabett be interested in making something like that for the Maverick? I don't know how different the Eco is from the Hybrid so it may need a panel based on which engine you have. Just tossing it out here to see if there is any interest. Thanks!

Ya that would be great,dealer told me that once screws get stripped they just leave it off,really need it on during winter .

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

with the 10-15k oil changes, taking the cover off 1-2 times a year doesn't seem like that much trouble to me. No, you do not need to change your synthetic oil more than once every 10k miles, and going 15k is perfectly fine, old man.

Engines are cheaper than oil, right? Ford has severe duty schedules that come into play if your driving habits are not perfectly in accordance with the perfect world driving scenario. Us wise "old men" know where and when to invest a few extra dollars on oil change. Some of us learned from the school of hard knocks when we were young and dumb. I drive more than 100 miles per day in all conditions and prefer to change my synthetic oil myself at 25% OLM. Do as you like and enjoy your truck. To each their own.

I really like the idea of an access panel or simply an access hole. The wind drag of such would be nearly unmeasurable anyway. A3D printed hinged cover with a latch would be cool. I do my own work again now that my health has improved. I don't have to worry about if the Wally World tech is going to destroy my oil pan while installing my drain plug with an impact gun. True story by the way.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Ya that would be great,dealer told me that once screws get stripped they just leave it off,really need it on during winter

Here's the link to the Amazon fastener kit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFGBHWDX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
$9.00

 

[smoreho2]

....or cut a hole for the drain plug and filter .....after all , Ford already cut a bunch of holes in the cover ....

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[Swamp ick]

While I like the idea of getting the filter and drain plug conviently. I think it is a good idea to remove the plate every oil change to inspect and check for leaks. With a drill and torx bit those come off easy enough.

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