Anyone know what this is??

[Rhianntp]

:huh: 
What is this rubber material mat looking thing wrapped into steering parts or suspension and tucked under the bottom of the engine?

 

[tx2sturgis]

Looks like what is left of a truck mudflap.

 

[riptorn]

Did some thing get jammed in there from on the road, or is it some kind of factory splash guard still barely attached?
What make mod & year?

 

[Rhianntp]

1991 ford e350 with a 460 coachman Leprechaun

 

[Rhianntp]

I tugged on it and a big chunk of it tore off.. looks like it was factory .. some kind of guard to keep rocks away from the belts/hoses /trans lines maybe ? I just didn't want it flopping around down there and maybe get into the belts

 

[maki2]

Next time might want to use a photo editing program to either draw a circle around the item or point and arrow towards it. All I can see is a bunch of metal with some surface rust and similar colored dirt on the ground.

 

[highdesertranger]

it's the inner fender splash guard. it clips to the inner fender to keep water/mud/slush from splashing the engine. the clips must have let loose for a 1991 this doesn't surprise me at all. highdesertranger

 

[Rhianntp]

Hey thanks! Had no idea such a thing existed

 

[B and C]

If you go look in the wheel well on the other side, you should see one properly placed.

 

[Rhianntp]

I looked and there is none there.. I did see mounting points along the front and under the engine where it was supposed to be...I think it used to go across the front to shield the engine

 

[B and C]

That one is missing too. Going through big puddles can rip older ones out. Fender liners go in the fenders where the tires are.

Air dams go across the front right behind/below the bumper and are there to help MPG, not shield the engine.

 

[Rhianntp]

Maybe I didn't look close enough or know what to look for. I'm sure the thing I posted about is the air dam you mentioned since it looks to have attached right behind the bumper to just under the engine.

 

[Rhianntp]

Just went and looked closer.. looks like it used to only go from about the center of the engine to the passenger side sloping upwards a bit there. Most of the part the sloped up is still in place. I wonder if it was just meant to shield the alternator area from water?

 

[maki2]

now is the time if you have a manual to see if you can find it on an exploded diagram showing piece and perhaps also find a part name and part number.

 

[Matlock]

If you haven't done this yet, try turning the steering wheel all the way to the left and crawl back under to get a different perspective, then again with it turned to the right.

Might make the original position of said rubber thing a bit clearer.

 

[bullfrog]

No matter whether it is a fender flap or air dam it is old and damaged. Trim it or take it off and get it out of there before it tears something up, melts or catches on fire.

 

[Rhianntp]

Thanks guys

 

[eDJ_]

If it were mine, just saying,  I'd replace those or make sure that they are secured with nylon zip ties the best as possible.   Understand that if you hit a large enough puddle fast enough the water could splash up on the spark plugs and kill the engine and that leave you stranded in water.  (and hope it isn't flash flood water rising)

 

[Doubleone]

It's primarily a water deflector that keeps water from splashing up in the front of the engine. With modern ignitions it won't likely stall the engine. The danger is that water will make the serpentine belt slip and you'd temporarily loose power steering and power brake assist until the water clears. You'd also hear a loud screech from the belt grabbing traction again. A secondary purpose is that it directs air coming out radiator to flow back over the top and sides of the engine and exhaust manifolds, and that keeps the doghouse area cooler for your comfort in hot weather... They attach with little single use plastic push pins that wedge into holes on the frame, aka 'Christmas trees'. They're fairly cheap and you can get some at local Autozone or parts store.