Plaster cover under oil pan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lylemiller · #1 03-14-2003, 09:46 PM

What is the purpose of the somewhat large plastic cover that is located under the engine? You have to remove it when you change the oil.

I changed the oil on my 97 E320 last weekend for the second time. One of the front screws has not fully engaged into the metal reciever. After the first oil change I guess I replaced the screw well enough. The second time...the cover came loose and it started to flap when I drove the car. I have removed the cover and wonder if its necessary to replace it.

And another thing. On the E320 the oil drain plug is partically concealed by another plastic cover that extends to under the front bumper. I have not removed this cover the last two times I changed the oil. When I drain the oil the oil causes a mess because it partially hits this cover as it drains. Does everyone take this piece off too when they drain the oil, or am I missing something?

Thanks

Ali Al-Chalabi · #2 03-14-2003, 09:52 PM

It is officially called a noise encapsulation panel. Among the various things it does is provide sound insulation, improve aerodynamics, keep the serpentine belt as well as the rest of the engine dry and help keep things clean.

lylemiller · #3 03-14-2003, 09:55 PM

Thanks Ali, I will see that I replace the cover. I will need to get some replacment screws and also get to the bottom of the one screw not engaging a tread.

Thanks for your quick reply!

daddiojiggy · #4 03-15-2003, 11:56 AM

to avoid taking off the cover you could change oil as the dealers do-from above.do a search on 'topsider' or 'oil suction' and you'll get more info than you need.

Gilly · #5 03-15-2003, 05:09 PM

The 104 engine is kind of notorious for making a mess when changing oil from the bottom when it's in a 210 chassis.
It's not just that front pan (the bumper apron is what we call that front panel) that creates the mess. You'll notice there is acttually a support at the rear edge of the plastic piece, it's the radiator support, so simply removing the front apron won't make the oil change any easier.
Before we got the topsider, I would cut up an empty anti-freeze jug to use as sort of a funnel to keep the oil out of the front apron area. Experiment around a liittle bit until you find a shape you're happy with. Several types of plastic container would work, such as washer solvent or empty clothes detergent jugs or an empty milk jug. A 2 ltr soda bottle may work if you are creative.

Gilly

lylemiller · #6 03-15-2003, 09:15 PM

Thanks daddiojiggy and gillybenztech. I will get a funnel setup next time. Someday I may start using the topsider; I have looked into this method, done the search, read about building the do it yourself rig and all that. But for now I have sold out to the all night drip method...

Thanks for the good response to my post!

Gilly · #7 03-15-2003, 09:37 PM

Lyle:
I think you'd just need the funnel setup for the first minute or less when doing this job. After that it drips slowly enough it won't get caught by the apron, so it can drip all night without making a mess.

Gilly