Insulation on Plastic Engine Undercover

Kev M · Post by **Kev M** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:46 am

So I finally did the break-in oil change yesterday and I was quite pleased to find the plastic engine undercover is a much better design than the POS we had on the 98 Forrester.

The hatch fasteners were simple to get out without breaking and only having to pull three of them, instead of a whole bunch plus some bolts like the Forrester was much nicer.

HOWEVER, when I got it out, I found that the insulation that is affixed to the hatch piece (and to the main piece) was all buggered up. Each of the pieces were torn at some of the fasteners. The main piece was only held down at one point.

I removed it and figured I could bring it to the dealer to get a replacement or just run without it.

Anyone have a guess as to whether the stuff is necessary or not?

Is is there for sound deadening or to protect the plastic cover from engine heat?

If it is the later I figure I've got a couple of months to get a replacement.

K

mbaksic · Post by **mbaksic** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:04 pm

HI Kev, I don't know myself, could be for noise, or maybe to absorb anything that drips. I know that mine is in good shape, and if it is snowing out or raining and I change oil, it is soaked with water. Maybe Subies way of cleaning up the envirornment, no leaks make it to the ground. Mike

the slug · Post by **the slug** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:46 pm

I know that plastic makes a horrible skid-plate

mbaksic · Post by **mbaksic** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:26 pm

I agree, I wasted mine again, and refuse to pay 85 bucks for a new one.
Will see how dirty things get without it. I towed my atv this past weekend, and noticed no difference in operating temps at all. Mike

Kev M · Post by **Kev M** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 6:47 am

Still have the plastic piece, since I don't do any offroading...

...the lack of insulation has not caused a problem.

Kev

mbaksic · Post by **mbaksic** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:48 pm

Hey Kev,
I took mine off when I put the light bar on the front, the bar interfered with it. Also, I had whacked the damn thing again, so it was broke. I don't notice any difference without it. I have even drove down a flooded road last weekend pullin my ATV. Had at least 18" of water on the road. No problem at all. Did run a bit rough the next day for about a minute, but that was all. So I figure not to spend the cash to replace it, a waste of money in my opinion.
Mike