General Under Engine Splash Guards Worth It Or Not?

[Duke Cat O]

I have a factory fitted splash guard under the front left hand side of my 2014 X250 van but have seen the full kits that include left, right and center pieces but are they worth it and do they really offer much protection from the elements?


Reason I ask is my sump has quite bad surface rust and I’m going to rub it down and paint it, but wondered if the splash guards would prevent it happening again soon or if a good covering of Hammerite paint would suffice?

 

[RS3100]

I have a factory fitted splash guard under the front left hand side of my 2014 X250 van but have seen the full kits that include left, right and center pieces but are they worth it and do they really offer much protection from the elements?


Reason I ask is my sump has quite bad surface rust and I’m going to rub it down and paint it, but wondered if the splash guards would prevent it happening again soon or if a good covering of Hammerite paint would suffice?

In my view, yes. Worth every penny.


https://www.fiatforum.com/ducato/463979-aftermarket-under-tray.html?p=4480326

 

[Duke Cat O]

Thanks RS3100, will go for the full set then. With regards to your rusty sump, did you remove it and use primer and paint or just clean and paint it in place? Also what paint did you use? As looking around people seem to recommend different products.

 

[RS3100]

Thanks RS3100, will go for the full set then. With regards to your rusty sump, did you remove it and use primer and paint or just clean and paint it in place? Also what paint did you use? As looking around people seem to recommend different products.

I didn't remove the sump. It was only rusty at the front and to a lesser extent on the underside where it had suffered from stone chips. I rubbed it down with wire wool and emery cloth to remove as much of the corrosion as possible, then treated it with degreaser followed by two coats of Jenolite liquid. I then masked off the block and other components around it with newspaper and sprayed it with several thin coats of PJ1 Satin Black Engine & Casing Paint.

I get the PJ1 paint from a local motorbike shop, it seems popular with bikers. I think you can get it on eBay too. Don't be tempted by the gloss version, it doesn't seem nearly as durable. But I've used the satin PJ1 paint and the same de-rusting routine over many years including stripping and rebuilding a classic car. I painted the rebuilt engine with the PJ1 paint and it was still as good as new 10 years later when I sold it.

I've found the Jenolite liquid to be one of the best rust converters I've used. Has to be the liquid though, as I don't find the gel anywhere near as good. As for Hammerite, used to be good many years ago, but either as a result of being taken over or the switch to low VOC paint, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole these days

 

[Duke Cat O]

I didn't remove the sump. It was only rusty at the front and to a lesser extent on the underside where it had suffered from stone chips. I rubbed it down with wire wool and emery cloth to remove as much of the corrosion as possible, then treated it with degreaser followed by two coats of Jenolite liquid. I then masked off the block and other components around it with newspaper and sprayed it with several thin coats of PJ1 Satin Black Engine & Casing Paint.

I get the PJ1 paint from a local motorbike shop, it seems popular with bikers. I think you can get it on eBay too. Don't be tempted by the gloss version, it doesn't seem nearly as durable. But I've used the satin PJ1 paint and the same de-rusting routine over many years including stripping and rebuilding a classic car. I painted the rebuilt engine with the PJ1 paint and it was still as good as new 10 years later when I sold it.

I've found the Jenolite liquid to be one of the best rust converters I've used. Has to be the liquid though, as I don't find the gel anywhere near as good. As for Hammerite, used to be good many years ago, but either as a result of being taken over or the switch to low VOC paint, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole these days

Thanks again, what a brilliant response. I will get that paint and the rust converter. I know you can get an aftermarket sump and gasket for around £40 on ebay but I don’t fancy the hassle of removing air con parts to get all the sump bolts out, shame though as the engine oil is due a change.