Is oil pan shield really necessary

[Gpp]

ok,once and for all,is the oil pan shield really necessary on the ecoboost engine? i am pretty sure its on there to help epa gas standard.hey,1/10 of a gallon is a big deal.personally i think we could take it off and never the difference!what you think.?

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[Cherokee]

Little bit better areo,
Little bit less tire road noise In the cabin,

Little bit better cooling efficiency, it helps create a vacuum that pulls an unknown amount more air through the radiator.

On my 2016 Transit Connect, when I took it loose to spin it to change the oil I found a good size shovel load of dried mud and dirt on it.
I threw it away, never missed it.

Technically it also protects belts, pulleys and hoses from flying road debris.

 

[Fcnrwy]

For Me..
I don't mind working on a "Clean" Engine...
For Once...

Thinking about that...
I remembering noticing the "Top" of the Engine was more "Dustier", then the "Bottom" was..

Jerry

 

[matmondro]

Yeah I also don't think the MPG hit is going to be too large at all.

However, on AWD Mavs the air scoop to cool the PTU is integrated into the shield, so personally as an FX4 owner I wouldn’t run my truck a long distance without the shield.

 

[Hillbilly]

Keeps it cleaner for sure. Just takes coupla minutes with an impact to zip it off n back on. I dont mind it. Kinda wish my old Ranger had one

 

[todd92]

It's not an 'oil pan shield'.

The bottom engine cover does 2 things. Improves aerodynamics for a small improvement in efficiency. Lowers NVH.

Leaving it off hurts nothing. I leave them on, a small drill with a socket adapter gets it off in a minute when it's time for an oil change.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

After my first oil change. I knew I had to find something small and powered to handle the 15 screws that hold on the splash pan in place.
I found this one at harbor freight for $10. Probably cheaper on Amazon.
It worked great.

 

[LSchicago]

I'd leave it on just to keep the rust and dirt off of the engine.

 

[Platinum2]

I took mine off shortly after taking delivery of my truck in '21, mostly due to noticing gas fumes in the cab. Recall that Ford issued a TSB about drilling extra holes to help evacuate gasses. I did that and it didn't resolve the issue for me so I just took it off. It now lives on shelf in my basement.

I can't say that I noticed a change in my mileage nor is the underside particularly dirty. I suppose the occasional bottom blast at the car wash would deal with any major build up. I do know that I have no more gas smell in the cab and oil changes are much easier.

 

[HoiToid]

How about on a Hybrid?
Any non-snarky answers are appreciated

 

[Tbone289]

How about on a Hybrid?
Any non-snarky answers are appreciated

It's no different on a hybrid. The shields are there for improved aerodynamics resulting in better fuel economy, lower noise and a cleaner engine bay. If you value the convenience of never having to remove and replace it over those advantages, take it off.

 

[HoiToid]

Thanks, Tbone; I was just curious; I get free for life oil changes at my dealer, so it's not an issue for me

 

[Blue_Max]

Is the hood really necessary?

 

[Fcnrwy]

Keeps it cleaner for sure. Just takes coupla minutes with an impact to zip it off n back on. I dont mind it. Kinda wish my old Ranger had one

I wish All three of Mine, DID!!

Jerry

 

[Tbone289]

Is the hood really necessary?

Not if you have one of those pretty engine covers!

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