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New engine splash shield

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by trip1027, Aug 3, 2016.

  1. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    So I am tired of replacing my plastic splash shield for 360$ so I got the local welding shop making a steel one today

    SM-N920V ?
     
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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What was failing on the plastic one, the flap at the oil pan I'd assume? Post pictures?
     
  3. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    once you have it, mind to take some pictures before you install it?
     
  4. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    No that never happened, I take my car on some pretty bad terrain and it usually getsome ripped off by a rock or something.... so I'm beefing it up

    SM-N920V ?
     
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  5. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    After working underneath and seeing how flimsy it all is , I can understand making a metal one. I think you might also get a more laminar airflow underneath and perhaps better efficiency .
    BUT, I was concerned that I would inadvertently block some of the airflow through the radiators by restricting the exit path of the air transitioning past the radiators and through the engine compartment. In particular, the catalytic converter probably runs extremely hot and I would want to preserve the airflow past that.
    But why steel rather than aluminum or carbon fiber, etc?
    Please post pics of yours as I might also go down that road,
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow, steel? weight?
     
  7. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    There are several other good reasons it is plastic besides weight.
     
  8. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    Plastic shield: cheap, light, no corrosion, somewhat stiff but flexible under slight impacts, no oil canning sounds, easily and quickly moldable. What am I missing?
    Metal shield: depending on metal and gauge chosen a metal shield could be stiffer , have electrolytic corrosion with the chassis steel, thin gauge may oil can, denting under slight impacts, expensive, heavier, and hard to form.
    Carbon fiber shield: very stiff, brittle, electrolytic corrosion , may crack under slight impacts, very expensive, heat resistant, very light, complicated to form depending on wet layup versus autoclaving.
    Fiberglass shield : moderately stiff, no electrolysis , cracking under heavy impacts, expensive, may sag/melt/burn with high heat, medium strength, moderately hard to form.
    So I see different pros and cons with different materials. What do you all think?
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Agree. I've avoided using the "oil change flap", taken the whole shield off about 11~12 times now. Every time I wash out the plastic fasteners in hot, soapy water, they all still work like new, ditto for the overall shield.

    I would suspect if the shield is failing it's due to protracted neglect, a service department that is loosing or breaking fasteners, and/or use the aforementioned flap till it's dangling, snagging on things. If in fact the OP's woes are due to snagging rocks/roots or whatever, he's in the wrong vehicle.
     
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  10. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    Well the welding shop ended up not doing it... came up with excuses.... so I went to home Depot picked up a 3'x3' sheet of aluminum diamond plate and made it into two pieces so I only pull off half to do my oil change.... so until I have time to do it for real this should work in the mean time. Took it on the interstate up to 90mph for 5 miles. Nothing fell off or came loose so I think we are good. uploadfromtaptalk1470448087960.jpg uploadfromtaptalk1470448091981.jpg

    SM-N920V ?
     
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow, that looks good! all the best!(y)
     
  12. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    It's 0.025 in. thick so maybe last to my next oil change

    SM-N920V ?
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    About 1/32". Not bad.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe you should change your oil more often.:p
     
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  15. lar.smith42

    lar.smith42 Active Member

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    I have been missing the oil change flap for about 4 years now with no problems at all.
     
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  16. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    I do my own oil changes.... and I drive around 60k miles a year so yeah damage will come with bad roads
    But he'll that gas mileage makes a world of difference in my wallet

    SM-N920V ?
     
  17. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    Every 10k miles that's once a month for me buddy....

    SM-N920V ?
     
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  18. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    My oil change cover has been missing now for over a year, probably 2. The back flap on the splash guard just flew off going 85 mph outside Kettlemen city. All fasteners were in place and I reinforced the back of the splash guard with zip ties as it seemed flimsy.

    On the fence about replacing either. The main cover is still in tack protecting and in Northern California, there is little rain, so replacement can wait awhile:).
     
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  19. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If you traveled 60 k annually, wouldn't that be an oil change every other month?:confused:
     
  20. trip1027

    trip1027 Member

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    Not every month is the same

    SM-N920V ?