Engine belly pans

[lostagain]

My engine overhaul is coming along slowly, as I am so busy with other things as well.

The engine and trans. are ready, new paint and all, sitting on the dolly waiting to be slid back in.

I have been tidying up a few things in the engine compartment, like new dry air filter off a transport truck, air to air intercooler from the junk yard as well, Racor primary fuel filter, and other misc. items, etc.

There are sheet metal, (aluminum) belly pans on each side and below the engine. Nothing in the middle third. They need replacing because a lot of the rivets are popped off, and they are torn in places near the bulkhead.

I'm thinking why not just take them off... They don't serve any purpose that I can see, other than maybe catching a wrench when you drop it.

The air flow comes from the roof intake, through the rad, then down and around the engine and to the ground.

I'm thinking about going without. I could replace them if it gets too messy.

Anybody has a compelling reason to replace them right away?

[HB of CJ]

Might affect the overall air flow around the radiators?  Also might act as hyperdrive deflector shields to deflect all the oil coming off the Detroit soosss it all just drips onto the road? 

Crown Supercoach Schoolies and Bus Conversions have a mud flap thingie hanging down crossways just behind the side radiator and just in front of the pancake engine.

It creates a rather strong low pressure area under the coach, thus helping draw air into and through the radiator.  Removing it may cause overheating.  Dunno about your application.  HB of CJ

[lostagain]

Well I am half way done with a new pan on one side. It is one of those chores I didn't real want to get into. But I took a deep breath after lunch and got started. It is not that bad once you get started... I guess if MCI put them there, I should maintain them as they are. I rivet them up into the frame.

Getting really close to installing the engine back in. I'll post some pics when I'm done.

JC

[Len Silva]

4104's had engine pans but all I've ever seen is the mounting clips.  I have never seen one with intact pans.

[gus]

My 4104 has no pans either but I'm seriously thinking of making some for at least the radiator area because I think it will prevent all the dirt being blown onto the engine.

[zimtok]

My 4104 is missing them as well.
I have often wondered if putting them back on would be of some benefit. But most stories I've heard is that they were removed because they catch all the oil and build up with road dirt and are a pain to keep clean.
My bus doesn't overheat, the engine gets dirty mostly from the oil leaks. BUT the back of the bus gets dirty, black and oily.

I just don't know if it is worth the expense.

Maybe some cheap plywood panels to see if there is any benefit.



.

[Dallas]

I've often wondered about the pans on the bottom of the GM engine bay. GM had them clear back when the transits were yellow coach. I also had, at one time, a 1935 Brill that had pans under the engine.
My question was always, "Where does the hot air go after it passes the radiator?" I thought about making some temporary pans out of some old plastic sign board and see what actually changes, but then I took a nap and forgot about the idea.
I haven't checked the newer parts books, but the ones I have looked at, from the yellow coaches to the PD4106, all had those pans.

[JohnEd]

Dallas,

Sounds like the Navy.  200 years of tradition and not a single days worth of progress.  

If GM put them in there for that long they must have had a reason.   Just, what was it?

John

[Dallas]

And, to paraphrase, "the Thought Plickens!"
I do know when both TW and the hound dealt with them they ripped them out post haste. I dunno if it was a supervisory decision or a mechanics whim.
I talked to a few of the old time drivers for both TW and hound, but they aren't the ones who would know. Maybe Runcutter or Txroadrunner will chime in.

Dallas,

Sounds like the Navy.  200 years of tradition and not a single days worth of progress.  

If GM put them in there for that long they must have had a reason.   Just, what was it?

John

[Runcutter]

I never knew why, but assume it was a combination of airflow and reduction of road dust/dirt.  I also hold that if GM put them there, they had good reason - since it was obviously an expense.  One of the reasons I bought our 4107 is that it still had the original belly pans, I used that as an indication of good maintenance.  Generally, mechanics would just take them off and never put them back on, since that takes work - and is in a hidden area. 

We have a retired GM field engineer (50 years of experience) in the area, if I ever have any time at home I'll try to ask him.  Right now, I'm on my third trip to the west coast in the last 6 weeks, so it may be a while before I can be in touch with him.

Arthur

[gus]

Zim,

I'm going to use cheap galvanized sheet metal, no need to get fancy on something that will be filthy is two hours!! It will be actually easier to work with than plywood.

I think plywood might be too thick for the clips and not a good thing in case of fire or near the exhaust.