Under Tray - Needed.

BoomAM

BoomAM

BoomAM

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2003
Posts
16,206
Location
Atlanta, USA
Hi.

It was noted yesterday when my car (Focus, 1.8, 2000/W) was getting fixed that the undertray was missing. Now the guy whos fixed it said that i 'should' be alright without one, as its been doing fine in the last 6-7 weeks since it probably went missing (dont ask :p), but to keep an eye on temps.
I was fine with leaving it be.
But after talking to a friend of mine, whos also a regular visitor on here, aparentely i can start expecting troubles as it nears summer.
So now im completely unsure as to what i should do.

Whats the general concencus here? Should i get one, or leave it?

Thanks in advance all. :).
 
Isn't the undertray usually there purely to improve the aerodynamic properties of the car and marginally reduce fuel consumption as a result? I can't see what effect it would have on temperatures. I'm pretty sure my 2.0 Mondeo doesnt have an undertray.
 
Im not sure.
I was told it was there to be used as a way to funnel air onto the engine, and prevent dirt from getting on the pipes.
Im useless with cars so ive not got a clue. :p.
 
nope just offers a marginal amount of protection to the underside of the engine,

one of our octavias has been missing hers for over a year and 50k miles to no ill effects
 
So im not likely to have temperature problems in the summer then?
As the example my mate gave was a hot day, starting/stopping in traffic for a few hours...?
 
Depends, on the MX5 it forces all the air through the rad instead of bypassing it.

Also without an undertray your engine is more exposed to the salts and gunk on the road, not to mention the water which can lead to loud Aux belts.
 
I thought the undertrays were for diesel focus.

Just checked through our service history’s for our two petrol focuses and the W reg 1.8 dosen't have one and has never had one, and the 53 reg 1.6 has had two replacements put on during the last 100k but doesn’t currently have one :)

This the one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-ford-focus-splashshield-engine-undertray_W0QQitemZ120171675443QQihZ002QQcategoryZ21654QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

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Nathan said:
its there to protect the engine and electrics. I would recommend you get another fitted.
Click to expand...
Protect it from what?

Ive quizzed one of my mates who are mechanics, and he's said its un-needed, that its function is to just stop dirt getting on the engine.
Nothing to do with cooling aparentely.
 
Ok then, heres the question. Will it be ok for a month or so?

I'd rarther not have to do without my car for a few days, so i suppose i could get one fitted next time im off work.
 
It doesn't "need" one as such, all the undertray really does is protect the front of the block from road crap. There are plenty of cars without them.
 
I've left the one off my MG ZS after replacing the engine as it's a PITA to remove if you want to do even simple work on the car like remove the oil filter. They are a relatively new invention and cars didn't used to spontaneously combust before they were fitted. ;)
 
BoomAM said:
Im unsure wether to get one now tbh.
Will it do without for a few weeks?
Click to expand...

Our W Reg 1.8 zetec has been into Ford about 9 times in the last 4 years for servicing and other work, not once have they said where is your undertray.

If it had needed it or was important I know for a fact they would have mentioned it.

Check with Ford if you’re at all concerned, it’s only a phone call.


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I thought the undertrays were for diesel focus.
Click to expand...

+1
the old shape then yes...it's an acustic inhibiter for diesels. only a few petrols left the factory with them fitted (by mistake?) I know this to be the truth cos a ford dealer told my mate who was upset when be bought the car,and it didnt have one. But all the works cars did...a quick scout of the car park found no petrols with trays but all the diesels had one. so it seems a ford dealer was right. ;)


bullit
 
Ahh that would explain it then, mines a petrol. Is this also why my bonnet doesn't have any soundproofing on it?
 
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