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2024 Hybrid Thinking of cutting to holes in the lower pan: one to allow a filter wrench and one for a wrench or electric socket. And, should I fabricate covers? Thoughts?
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- Thread starter Hockeyfish11
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You might want to consider getting some 3D printed covers to cover those holes. Depending on where you live and where you drive the truck, you might expose sensitive components to water, dirt, and damage.
Lots of vehicles have such access holes in their aero covers, so I'm sure it's fine from a functional point of view. You'll have a dirtier undercarriage if you're OK with that. I've seen many vehicles including Ford Escapes where the aero covers are missing for one reason or another.
I think the reason Ford doesn't put holes in it is because on these entry level vehicles the covers are pretty cheap, and putting holes in them would compromise the structural rigidity of the cover that would then need additional cost to reinforce.
There is no shortage of Ford vehicles with drooping covers, mostly due to lost screws, but it just shows you how "weak" the covers are.
I think the reason Ford doesn't put holes in it is because on these entry level vehicles the covers are pretty cheap, and putting holes in them would compromise the structural rigidity of the cover that would then need additional cost to reinforce.
There is no shortage of Ford vehicles with drooping covers, mostly due to lost screws, but it just shows you how "weak" the covers are.
I've done exactly that. So far so good... Definitely makes oil changes much nicer. I didn't make any covers for the holes
The only reason I suggested the covers is owners of earlier year models have indicated that some components are starting to show signs of rust. Ford may have cheaped out on the fastner quality behind the cover because they rationalized the aero cover would protect them.
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You're probably right; I was just too lazy
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And for whatever reason Ford didn't put holes or covers as part of the design
having had several of these in the past for various vehicles, I'm wondering why no one has ever mentioned the fumoto valves?
https://www.fumotousa.com/f137n.html
in addition to the ease of opening the valve (checks are built-in to prevent accidental opening), with an optional "plastic socket"
https://www.fumotousa.com/sl-10.html
or
https://www.fumotousa.com/sh-10.html
and some 3/8 i.d. tubing
https://www.amazon.com/ZY-hosetube-...prefix=3/8+id+silicone+tubing,aps,157&sr=8-16
this makes oil changes so much easier & far less messy: no more messing with drain bolts & worrying about cross-threading them, no more "oil gush" all ver the bottom of the vehicle & it allows you to basically drain the oil with almost zero mess (yes, there are a couple drops once the valve is closed & the socket/tubing is removed, but nothing that even a single square of paper towel won't clean up)
I swear by this, had it on my wrangler, my daughter has it on her wrangler & I currently have it on my F-150...honestly wouldn't have a vehicle without it
when I get my '25 delivered, this is the first mod I'll make when I do my first oil change
https://www.fumotousa.com/f137n.html
in addition to the ease of opening the valve (checks are built-in to prevent accidental opening), with an optional "plastic socket"
https://www.fumotousa.com/sl-10.html
or
https://www.fumotousa.com/sh-10.html
and some 3/8 i.d. tubing
https://www.amazon.com/ZY-hosetube-...prefix=3/8+id+silicone+tubing,aps,157&sr=8-16
this makes oil changes so much easier & far less messy: no more messing with drain bolts & worrying about cross-threading them, no more "oil gush" all ver the bottom of the vehicle & it allows you to basically drain the oil with almost zero mess (yes, there are a couple drops once the valve is closed & the socket/tubing is removed, but nothing that even a single square of paper towel won't clean up)
I swear by this, had it on my wrangler, my daughter has it on her wrangler & I currently have it on my F-150...honestly wouldn't have a vehicle without it
when I get my '25 delivered, this is the first mod I'll make when I do my first oil change
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Oil filter access?
On top of protection from debris, the lower engine covers on cars are a functional part of the cooling system. They create a greater pressure differential between the front of the car (outside the radiator and AC coil) and the engine bay. This increases the amount of air flow that comes through the front end, and thus increases cooling capacity for both the engine radiator and the HVAC condenser coil.
Additional air entering the engine bay elsewhere increases the pressure in the bay. This higher pressure results in a lower pressure differential between the bumper area and the engine bay, and the amount of flow is directly affected by the pressure drop between the two areas.
I'd consider working out a means to fabricate covers for the holes if you can. Holes would no doubt increase the potential for debris and moisture, but it will also reduce the amount of air flow for cooling.
Will this decrease be noticeable?...it's hard to say, and potentially doubtful. But it might make a difference when you're at the extreme end...say when towing/hauling, in hot temps, higher altitudes, and at lower speeds.
Additional air entering the engine bay elsewhere increases the pressure in the bay. This higher pressure results in a lower pressure differential between the bumper area and the engine bay, and the amount of flow is directly affected by the pressure drop between the two areas.
I'd consider working out a means to fabricate covers for the holes if you can. Holes would no doubt increase the potential for debris and moisture, but it will also reduce the amount of air flow for cooling.
Will this decrease be noticeable?...it's hard to say, and potentially doubtful. But it might make a difference when you're at the extreme end...say when towing/hauling, in hot temps, higher altitudes, and at lower speeds.
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