Starting to annoy me!!

[FDF]

Hi, Does it matter if the plastic tray that sits underneath the engine is there or not? Mine is ten years old, the fixing screws / bolts are rusted virtually solid and it's not fitting properly. I want to get a replacement but I have a feeling that will be expensive knowing Fiat, one from a scrappy would probably be in a similar or worse state than mine. Any suggestions welcome.

1997 Marea HLX 2.0 20V saloon.

 

[Citizen Smith]

It gives some protection for the bottom of the engine from everyday mud etc getting in there, plastic bags getting caught on the exhaust and melting would be more likely:yuck: . I believe it offers some aerodynamic advantages, but only over 100mph+. Other cars don't have them as standard so it wouldn't be the end of the world, I remember most Alfa customers when asked, said to leave it off when faced with a £100 bill.

 

[bulldog5046]

mine was torn off and i'm not really suffering, i expect the engine bay will get very dusty which is a bummer but not going to kill me, not noticed any difference in performance

 

[PNL]

Its there for a reason and thats why its fitted in the first place as fiat tech has said ..so a little work sorting all the rusted bolts etc is worth it just think next time you hit a very big bump or piece of debris on the road was that my under tray or my sump or gearbox

 

[custard]

better if possible to replace the bolts with cable ties.

 

[PNL]

better if possible to replace the bolts with cable ties.

Yes thats fine just keep a supply of cable ties in stock tho

 

[FDF]

There's already one cable tie holding it on, the rest of the screws / bolts I've soaked in WD40. I would prefer to keep it, there is a lot of debris on the roads around here and I would prefer it to hit the undertray than the sump or gearbox. Just for a laugh I'm going to ask my local Fiat dealer for a price to replace it, I don't think it will be very funny.

 

[PNL]

T14 is a good source of under trays he takes them off and never puts them back from what we been told

 

[FDF]

Just got the price for a new 'engine undershield' (their words), fully fitted £157.74 . Part only £116:bang: . I knew it wouldn't be funny, do you think they just come up with a price and see if they can get away with it?

 

[mountainmachine]

Just think you could get a stainless steel one specially mad for about that price.

 

[coyotes_uk]

Got a good view of it when I jacked my Stilo up to repair the bumper, im definatly a fan of keeping it, anything to protect and keep the engine bay in good working order is good in my book!