1994 Q45 part

[coolman]

Hello,

I have a 1994 Q45 exec touring. A part came off my car and I need to know the name of this part so that I can buy an OEM equivalent. This part is a plastic or fiberglass panel that covers the entire bottom of the engine block. It is used to catch dripping oil and to block water from the road from wetting the bottom of the engine. What is this part called?

Thanks,

[ceningolmo]

I have heard it referred to as an under engine shroud, a skid plate, an engine cover, and engine panel, and about 10 other things. I don't actually know the "official" Infiniti name for the part, but I assure you it will something you never would have thought to call it.

In any case... get ready to open up your wallet. Last I looked that cover ran about $275 on the 90-93. I assume the price will be the same/similar on 94-96.

Best bet would be to check local junk yards... I got one used for about $40 a while back.

[Skibane]

Apparently, the formal name is an "Under Engine Cover" (Item No. 16) - About $180 from InfinitiPartsUSA.com.

[coolman]

Thanks for the reply. Can I put off buying this part or should I get it ASAP? What are the potential hazards/damages to the car if this part is removed? Any safety issues?

[ceningolmo]

I've been driving without one on my Silver Q for the past couple of months. At this point, I haven't had any issues at all.

The problem, as I see it, is that there is a lot of wiring and hoses that run along the underside of the engine. I think the problems would arise if there was too much pressure or moisture applied to the underside of the engine.

I have managed to avoid any rain with mine, thus avoiding any water issues. I will definately get the cover back on the underside before winter though!

[szh]

It is also part of the air flow management under the car. Helps with engine cooling, I suspect. So, I would certainly not leave it off permanently.

Z

[Q451990]

It is also part of the air flow management under the car. Helps with engine cooling, I suspect. So, I would certainly not leave it off permanently.

Z

Absolutely... at least on the 90-93, running it without this cover stopped in traffic in very high ambient temperature (over 100F) can cause overheating... at least that's my theory.

Stand with your toes under the front bumper after it's been idling for a while with the shroud removed and you'll feel what I'm talking about. The hot air that would normally be directed more toward the rear of the engine bay is blown directly down - only to be pulled right back in through the front of the radiator... not good!

Heath

[elwesso]

All im gonna say is I drove my old Q sans-pan for 1.5 years with NO ill effects, no extra rust underneath or anything.....

[qship96]

also there to protect belts/pullys etc from stone damage from dump trucks that love to spill them and have them bounce down the road!

[coolman]

In the diagram that Skibane posted, there is a #17 part which is a clip for $1.70 each. How many of these clips would I need? Is there anything else that I need to have my private mechanic install it?

[ceningolmo]

The clips referred to in that diagram are of the trim pieces covering the tops of the headlights, etc.

The under engine cover is held in place by bolts... not sure exactly how many, but it seems like there are about 1000 of them when I need to change my oil filter.