Purpose of plastic protective shield under Volcane

Foxy · Post by **Foxy** » 11 Apr 2005, 22:44

Having just aquired my 1.9 T.D. ZX Volcane, I'm a bit puzzled as to the reason there is a protective plastic shield covering the sump etc. I do know the sump on the diesel Volcane is aluminium. Is this shield purely for protection and is it really necessary? What a bind having to remove just for an oil change!!!!!!! It appears to be attached by self tappers and plastic ties.
Any advice appreciated. Foxy[8D]

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 11 Apr 2005, 23:02

Foxy, sump shields are an oft misunderstood component.
They serve principally two functions plus have a few other benefits.
First they actually increase the airflow through the grill and direct it through the radiators. Air pressure actually builds up under the front of a body travelling at speed and this pressure can reduce significantly the air that passes through the front of the car and thence the radiators. So it improves the air circulation round the engine not reduce it.
The next benefit is reduced noise, it reduces the sound being bounced up off the road and then it helps keep the engine bay and engine clean. It is a pain to remove but in my opinion, worth it. Robin

wilkobob · Post by **wilkobob** » 11 Apr 2005, 23:22

Are all ZX's supposed to have one? Mines an R - Reg SX Turbo Diesel, and i dont have one, although there appears to be mounting points for something of that description. If it is supposed to have one, does anyone have one they would sell me? A purpose I could see one being for is to catch the odd drip of oil that seems to always leak from my engine, instead of having a dalmation looking drive! [:D] If anyone does then let me know wilkobob@tiscali.co.uk
Simon

oilyspanner · Post by **oilyspanner** » 11 Apr 2005, 23:50

My Volcane doesnt have one either! sounds like one of those things that gets thrown away during servicing.
Stewart

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 12 Apr 2005, 00:33

My old ZX TD never had one.

sooty · Post by **sooty** » 12 Apr 2005, 23:11

Mine hasn't got one either.

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 12 Apr 2005, 23:59

These shields do serve a useful purpose, and it's well worth having them.
Originally posted by oilyspanner
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> My Volcane doesnt have one either! sounds like one of those things that gets thrown away during servicing.
Stewart
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Maybe they were thrown away previously when, your car and many others have visited a main dealer, or even an independent.
Although when you consider they are throwing away part of your car without your permission, then they should not be doing that. [}:)] [:(!]

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 13 Apr 2005, 00:13

My Xantia has an under-tray and fortunately, it has a little hatch just below the sump plug for oil draining. Unlike our Xsara. On that, the tray is solid and needs to be removed for oil changes.