Engine splashtray / splashguard - OK without?

Post by **mickt** » 19 Dec 2006 01:02 am

I have got 3 days to decide whether to make a long trip with the car as it is without the splashguard There appears to be some mud/debris in globules appearing around the engine bay and also it feels more draughty /cooler? as it is, Does anybody have a good answer or perhaps it will be a case of an engine bay clean when I get back

Cheers in hope mickt

Post by **340cbr** » 19 Dec 2006 01:06 am

What is a splashguard?

Post by **petefarrell360** » 19 Dec 2006 01:23 am

Is this in the Mk2 Mick? Tbh, it's a good idea in winter, but I wouldn't beat yourself up about it for a long trip, as long as you clean it when you get back. Salt is the route of all evil for a 300.

I've not taken the vario near a road since the gritters have been out. Most people haven't even noticed a frost...... so that's why the roads are gritted, for those who drive as normal, until they skid on something slippery! I'd rather they didn't go out wasting our money at the first sniff of a cold spell to rot my car!

Anyway, most 300 spash trays are either broken or missing. It's a good idea to have it in place, but most of the normal dirt would in theory go along the sills, only through puddles etc would dirt splash upwards into the engine bay, or on tight cornering where the wheels throw the water/dirt/salt remotely towards the engine bay on full lock.

A 300 is probably better off being used than sitting around, unless it's parked in a certain way. If you can, face your car uphill! The reason being that the water won't collect in the front valance, doors, or bootlid! A well used and clean car without trapped dirt and salt will probably outlast a car that sits around full fo rubbish a lot of the time. As Foggy pointed out, mud collecting around the lip of the rear wheelarches creates a place where moisture and dirt collects to rot a car. So, use it mate, but give it a good clean when you get back and source a spashguard then!

Pete

*Edit* PS, 340cbr, a splash guard is simply the plastic tray under the engine bay to protect it from minor debris, water, salt and mud. They are pretty weak, but aren't meant to protect the cars sump as such, resulting in being a splash guard. Dai is looking to produce an aluminium version of the splash guard possibly for road use and an uprated version for protection for the rally boys and anyone looking for sump protection and even one for the gearbox.

Post by **mickt** » 19 Dec 2006 01:25 am

Large section of synthetic sheeting shaped to fit underneath engine attached with screws and level with bottom of the sump Can get a bit misshapen and broken as the miles add up

mickt

Post by **mickt** » 19 Dec 2006 01:43 am

Thanks Pete I forgot about all those rust prone bits I totally agree salt is put down too early when the temperature is forecast to be one degree below after a warm day for instance - ridiculous waste to me I might swap the guard from the mk3 now It will be a good chance to make sure there have been no changes in "template " for when I do get another one and to have it look down there too before the trip

cheers mickt

I have now found leak at master cylinder hence change in priorities/cars

Post by **SteveP** » 19 Dec 2006 12:54 pm

It should be fine as people have said, my old black car never had a guard in my ownership, and the saloons hasn't at the moment as its broken at the back - but fixable! Didn't notice any additional wind noise anyway. I'd imagine it's more important in muddy situations

Have a good trip!

Post by **340cbr** » 20 Dec 2006 11:24 am

Thanks for the explanation

Never seen that in my car... I thick that it doesn't have a splashguard.

Anyone have a photo of it?

Post by **jimf671** » 23 Dec 2006 09:48 pm

I think these are made of polypropylene. Thats the usual material: or perhaps HDPE. Anyway, they always get broken and most people find it hard to fix them. Glue doesnt work on this stuff. The solution is to use pop rivets and bits from a plastic bucket or maybe a washing up basin (which is usually polyprop). Using a black one would be best I suppose, but hey, get in touch with your feminine side: that pink one will work just as well!

My expectation is that the cooling system and the brakes were designed for this item being in place.

On my 360, repairs are currently underway.

Post by **pettaw** » 23 Dec 2006 10:08 pm

SteveP wrote:It should be fine as people have said, my old black car never had a guard in my ownership, and the saloons hasn't at the moment as its broken at the back - but fixable! Didn't notice any additional wind noise anyway. I'd imagine it's more important in muddy situations

Have a good trip!

Steve's right, not necessary, but a nice extra to have to stop the engine bay getting all covered in rubbish. And it possibly cuts down on wind noise a bit.