MA7008O

My engine undertray is not in excellent shape, since it has some cracks that I must take care of before they become too large to be repair.

Question is: what material it is made of and how should I take care of those cracks.

It’s seems to be fiberglass, but I am not sure.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

newsboy

You can repair it, but don't use it. Holds heat in the engine. Leads to early engine wear. Mines been off for 11 years.

Tmistry

Do you mean the actual engine tray? Or, the heat shield thing that everyone discards?

If engine tray, buy a new one. If big fiberglass shield, take it off if it's only a summer driver. If you roll in salt and winter weather, maybe find one used or fix it. Lots of them sitting in the corners of garages!

jonathant

Pretty sure it’s nylon with chopped glass reinforcing, and of course some tin bits in places. The material is pretty tough. If you have cracks that are creeping maybe drill out the tip of the crack with a small bit.

Popular consensus is that the tray should be left off “for cooling” but I personally doubt there is much, if any, actual benefit. Pretty sure the engineers did the math before they put it on.

It does seem heavy for what it is though, I keep thinking about making one in carbon epoxy but it’s way down the list.

MA7008O

Thanks you all for your comments.

In fact, it’s the fiberglass shield that everyone discards.

Indeed it is interesting that everybody seems to discard it, but apart from the supposed cooling benefits, the engine it’s self would be exposed to grime, dirt, stones, …. I do not know if I like the idea……

Anyhow, I think it’s better to repair/restore it now before it is too late.

Small holes will spot crack, but how do I repair it?

Thanks again,

JasonAndreas

Glass mat reinforced polypropylene

MA7008O

Thanks!!!