MTFCA Forum

Do all T's have a pan/shield under the starter? The one on mine goes from starter all the way to the front of the engine. It is fastened to the oil pan and to the hood shelf. I had to remove this pan to get the starter out, and it wasn't easy. I guess it is like a splash shield for the engine area. I don't have one on the passenger side. I looked for splash shield info, but what came up was something different. I was thinking of leaving it off, but I guess it isn't something you have to mess with that often. Thanks for info..Tommy

Can you post a picture?

All Ford had shields on both sides of the engine even into the V8 era. Some say helps cooling some say doesn't (I think they help cooling myself). Does help keep the dirt down under the hood and good place to stop wrenches etc from dropping to the ground when working on the motor. Google "mtfca engine pans"

Can you post a picture?


Can do, but I will have to take a picture first...

All Ford had shields on both sides of the engine even into the V8 era. Some say helps cooling some say doesn't (I think they help cooling myself). Does help keep the dirt down under the hood and good place to stop wrenches etc from dropping to the ground when working on the motor. Google "mtfca engine pans"

Great thanks..Mine is kind of bent up. Maybe I will get a new one, and one for the other side. Tommy

OK..So I see Lang's has them..Can't believe I never noticed them before. Anyway, thanks for the info..Tommy

Tommy, now you know why most engine pans are missing. They are a pain to work around, and usually just get hung on the shed wall.

Allan from down under.

They came with them on both sides, however, most have been removed for ease in engine work. If you have a show car, you should replace them, however for a driver not necessary unless you drive a lot on wet dirt roads. They will help keep mud from splashing onto the sides of the engine and help keep some water from being sucked into the carburetor. I, personally, very rarely drive in the rain unless caught unexpectedly on a tour. But I live in Southern California.
Norm

Engine pans: Yes, all T's had them from the factory. In the early years there were also transmission pans.

Lots of people leave them off to eliminate some steps in removing or installing the engine.

I use them: 1 to reduce the flow of dust to the carburetor when I drive on country roads, which I do a lot; 2 to catch tools I drop because I'm clumsy.

There is a reason for everything - And like in modern cars the hood and splash pans keep water, dirt and mud off the engine and out of filters as well as assisting in cooling.
When traveling the air in front of the radiator is at a high pressure and the air flow through it can be enhanced by creating a low pressure area in the engine compartment (i.e. Bernoulli Principle). The more air flow through the radiator the more it cools. The splash pans & hood are necessary to make a low pressure compartment and the louvers aid, not only as a method to expel the air but their shape also creates an external low pressure area pulling the air out of the engine compartment. Without them (one or all) air turbulence would result and the low pressure area wouldn't be as effective and the radiator's cooling would not be as efficient. When stopped its up to the fan to create the air flow for the creation of the low pressure zone.
Cars that don't have them and don't have an over heating problem may drive at speed for long distances and/or have added anti-freeze, water pump, or BERG radiator to compensate for their removal

Now I am torn..I wouldn't need the pans, because I will only be out in good weather, and dry roads. But, if it aids in cooling then maybe it would be worth the effort.

I live in South Australia. Think southern California climate. In summer it gets really hot, and it is our peak touring season. None of my cars, with the exception of my barn fresh buckboard, have splash panels and none have cooling problems. Nor does the buckboard. Only one has a new Brassworks radiator. The rest are round tube originals. If a T without engine needs aid with cooling, I'd be looking into a cause other than lack of splash pans.
Allan from down under.