"Belly pan" for '93 850 SE saloon -- essential?
 

Managed to trash the belly pan (for want of a better term) of my '93 850 SE saloon against a high kerb t'other day. This is the plastic tray that lies at the bottom of the engine compartment at the very front of the car and appears to act as a stone chip protector for the radiator, or is maybe there to improve the aerodynamics of the car -- or perhaps both!

Just want to know if it's important that it gets replaced. I suspect it won't be cheap to do so, so if it's not essential then I'd rather not!

TIA,

Stuart Cormie

RE: Belly pan" for '93 850 SE saloon -- essential?
 

I think it's there primarilty to protect the radiator from debris being flung up. I'd definately get it replaced. Depending on the damage you could always try repairing it with Duck Tape. Magic stuff that.

Andy

RE: Belly pan
 

Why not use a large sheet(s) of fibreglass to repair it. If you put it on the inside (engine) then no one wil notice..

Karl

RE: Belly pan
 

I removed mine and within 6 months had problems with water lodged in the starter motor and other areas most likely from the exposed parts not being covered,i d replace it if you can .

Jason

RE: Belly pan
 

The cover is designed to stop muck getting flung up under the engine. The one on my van came off when I went through some deep water and hasnt been replaced now for 3 years without problems.
However a previous non volvo car I had had the panel missing and during hot weather in standing traffic with the fan running the engine would get rather hot. When I fitted a belly pan it ran cooler as the air was correctly ducted from the front of the car.
In conclusion its obviously better replaced or repaired using a fiberglass repair kit.

Simon