What's under my engine?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NW IL
What's under my engine?
18 F-150 3.5 Eco-Boost, Saw something hanging low under the front of my truck, what the heck is that attached under the engine, some sort of composite form. One corner ripped and was hanging. Was able to fashion an attachment to get it back in position. Seems like a cheap skid plate of some sort, don't know how much protection it actually is, not even sure what to call it, and how much to replace it if my repair job does't hold. Anyone else have issues with this part? Whatever it is, looks really cheap.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,052
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Are you speaking of the panel behind the skid plate?
Held in place by 5/16 screws?
Its for sound deadening and allegedly can help prevent grass from getting to the hot exhaust/turbos causing a fire.
Funny thing is the owners manual recommends its removal for heavy off road use.
Held in place by 5/16 screws?
Its for sound deadening and allegedly can help prevent grass from getting to the hot exhaust/turbos causing a fire.
Funny thing is the owners manual recommends its removal for heavy off road use.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 40
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From: NW IL
Yeah held up by 4 screws, about the size of a floor mat, seems pretty cheap, destine for failure. Might be some sort of splash guard.
Bought the truck used, don't go off road and don't get too aggressive with it so at a lose as to why it tore at a corner.
Bought the truck used, don't go off road and don't get too aggressive with it so at a lose as to why it tore at a corner.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I purchased new wing nuts and thread inserts to keep mine in good shape. The cover is just a cover for sound and perhaps better airflow under the truck. Right above this cover are your o2 sensors and connectors as well as some other electronic goodies around the transmission. I'd leave it in place for normal usage if possible.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
If you see how the oil is changed you will understand the tear. It's been common practice to remove 3 out of the 4 bolts and swing the cover out of the way at shops. It's just a cheap piece of felt and there is an aftermarket metal solution for the problem.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
I just took mine off since I didn’t like dealing with it each oil change. No adverse effects so far. The only difference is a little more mechanical noise when standing outside the truck while it’s running.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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I'm guilty of doing this.
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