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I was wondering is is safe to remove the 2 plastic covers on the underside of my 307 HDi (rapier 90 if it makes any difference). Or do I need to start trawling the scrappers? I only ask as they are currently falling to peices partly due to neglect on behalf of the previous owner and my local councils enthusiam for speed humps.
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I think I'd keep these because they probably serve a good purpose - otherwise they would not be there. My brother once had a Mk III Golf that would break down (literally just stop) in heavy rain. Apparently later cars had a tray under the engine to stop spray getting into the electrics... By the time he knew that the car was just about to be replaced anyway.
Rob's reply moved over from Discussion where the OP had posted the same question
Edited by Pugugly on 17/06/2009 at 17:49
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It sounds like they're causing more problems than they cure.
Like the engine shrouds on 'real' Minis that stopped the HTs getting wet. A good dose of something like 'Dampstart' cured it.
However, I had a '70s ARG (Austin Rover Goup) Ambassador that lost its' power steering and alternator evey time the N/S/F went through a puddle. Hopefully things have moved on a bit since then.
Perhaps you should consider removing them, BUT DON'T THROW THEM AWAY. You may find they're useful, and worth re-fitting.
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Is your 307 a diesel? If so then you won't have to worry about water/electrics mixing as diesels have no spark ignition system.
My Octavia's plastic under tray eventually succumbed to one of many speed humps and exits from driveways onto steeply crowned roads, the only difference after I ripped it off was an increase in engine noise heard from outside the car!
Dave TD
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Yes it a diesel, I was just worried about bits and peices flying up into the engine bay, but to save my sanity and the mocking looks of others as it scrapes over speed humps I think I'll just bite the bullet and have rid of them.
But as suggested I may well try to patch them up in my spare time or simply get my boss to donate the same things off his 307 when his new company car arrives.
SQ
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 19/06/2009 at 01:40
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I suspect that on many cars, these plastic undertrays are there to improve aerodynamics and thus slightly improve fuel consumption.
I don't think removing this one from your car will cause any problems.
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Unless there are wires and a temperature sender coming off the sump to monitor oil temp. Like on Diesel Vectra's. These would be left right amongst the elements without a cover. A right pain,but better left on !
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As much as anything these are fitted to cut down on noise emissions. Aerodynamics too as noted by other posters. If not in good condition I would remove them because they are likely to cause more damage if they snag and get ripped off. Just be sure that the wheelarch liners are still secure at the lower ends.
Steve.
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My 307 has never had them, well as long as I have had the car anyway. I did have a solenoid valve fail by dust ingestion. ( vacuum control solenoid for the turbo) The lack of covers may have contributed. My Citroen has the covers fitted and is much quieter, I suggest you give up the useless plastic rivets and fit the covers using tie wraps. This will help keep the noise down when your DMF starts to squeak!
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From what I'm gathering from the posts (thanks for all of the advice by the way) is that while they are in the poor state they are in i should get rid and see about getting some in a better condition (not difficult really) from what I can see most if not all of the plastic rivets have gone and they are mostly held on by tie wraps. And they are currently doing my brain in with the noise they make if the car is moving on poor road surfaces or scraping over speed bumps.
Thanks to all
Tango
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If its the noise that bothers you are you sure its coming from the covers? I have had to repair the exhaust heat shield, replace the roll bar tie rods and change a wish bone. The roll bar tie rods were the worst for noise.
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Well the noise is part of it as at low revs it does seem to permeate the whole car, but the plastics are still scaping over speed bumps (the local council loves them) and they are split and seem to have been poorly refitted somwhere along the line. But I'll have them whipped off anyway this should hopefully allow me to have a proper sticky beak.
To be honest I'm starting to despair with this car never buying a french motor again!
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Not sure if its French cars or 307s that?s the problem. I bought a C5 because I wanted a modern diesel car with good cabin space. The C5 was by far the cheapest as a 2 year old so I decided to chance it and expected the worst. This car has now driven me for 100,000 miles (30.000 of these on 100% bio diesel) and has required 2 brake disks and an alternator pulley wheel. Undoubtedly the most reliable and cost effective car I have ever had.
I replaced my Wife's 406 with a 307. The 307 has had two front springs, two starter motors, track rod ends, wishbone, roll bar ties, new spare wheel winch, Duel mass flywheel and clutch, rear wiper, repaired turbo solenoid valve and now a new engine. My wife has a talent for bringing out the worst in a car, but this can?t be all her fault! I keep hoping for a spell of reliable operation to recover my investment, but I am wondering if this will ever happen.
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It's most likely a bit of both, My boss has a 307 (younger than mine) and its constantly been in the garage, my dads fiance has a 407 which was a total wreck, also a friend of mine (who works for Citroen) bought a C2 diesel that while doing 70 had a bit of suspension/steering give up and shove her headlong into the central reservation. Twin this with various other reports of French automotive engineering prowess from other friends I think the term once bitten twice shy is apt. Definately going for something German or Japanese for the next motor.
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