How nat of you are using engine/motor pans?

[jeepguy1948]

Interested to know who is or isn’t using the motor pans. It seems to me that most people feel they are more of a hassle than they are worth.

[alexiskai]

The benefits of engine pans are well-understood, but the mounting points have a tendency to break over time due to rotational flexing of the engine. Those who have put in the effort to modify the pans with pads or other solutions to add resilience to flexing tend to report good results. Some owners who use float-a-motor mounts report that the motion of their engine is beyond what the pans can handle, but other FAM owners claim it works for them.

[JayJay]

I use them. Clean them up real good, drive a few miles, and they can help you find where the leaks are coming from. On my car with FAM I haven't noticed any issue with the pans.

JayJay

[mcgarrett]

They can be a hassle to deal with sometimes, but I'm using them. Mine have been powder coated and I think they sort of beautify the engine compartment if kept clean.

More specifically, if Henry Ford and his engineers went to all the trouble to design them, make and install them, there must be a real good reason. We all know Henry's reputation for cutting costs anywhere he could get away with it. I've read where they were put there to help engine cooling by controlling the air flow going through the radiator and forcing it to exit the engine compartment through the hood louvres. Not certain whether that story has any fact to it or not.

[alexiskai]

The cooling aspect of the engine pans has long been suspected and generally accepted, though not to my knowledge proven. A more well-established benefit of them is that they keep road gunk out of the engine bay and specifically out of the carb intake.

Quote from Restorer, Mar. 1966:

It is doubtful if in the period when A’s were extensively used that any brisk business was ever done in replacement shields. Rather, the shields were removed and thrown away as being nothing but a nuisance. It is true that the shields were troublesome because first they cracked at the engine attaching side. This produced squeaks and rattles. Because of this, these parts generally became discards at the time of first oil pan removal if not before.

Original pans are now in demand and are generally scarce which attests to the widespread scrapping of them years ago. The demand, of course, is not because of the functional value but is created by those who wish to have their engine installations complete and authentic as to detail. This is a worthy object and one with which none would take exception. There is some belief though that other advantages do accrue to those who decide to install the splash pans. We can’t believe that Ford would have persisted in their installation had they not been of some good use.

We cannot vouch for it, but there is the statement made that the use of these pans or shields results in an increase of cooling airflow through the radiator core. If this is true then it can be seen that however slight this cooling increase might be it could be just enough to keep out of trouble if a cooling system was of marginal performance in other respects. Most people agree-that the installation of the pans improve the appearance of the engine compartment. The pans provide a solid-looking closure rather than having the large vacant gap with the straight through view of the ground below.

So much for the possible pros and cons not forgetting, of course, the benefits of the right-hand splash shield when removing the valve chamber cover. Oil from the valve chamber drains neatly down the sloping trough-like shield into a bucket placed at the back just under the half circle cut out for the exhaust pipe. The left side engine pan also serves as a useful trough when draining water. At the back end of the pan there is much more room for a bucket than there is directly under the drain cock where the front axle wish bone is in the way.

[GPierce]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Don’t use them. No cooling issues.

[ChicagoBob]

I use them because of their help with water draining and valve cover and carb drips.

[Synchro909]

I had an original set - not sure where they are now. They were too much of a PITA.

[ndnchf]

I put them on and have no issues. The engine stays cleaner and the engine bay looks more finished. I tapped the frame holes so the bolts can be more easily installed. It makes removal and replacement a breeze.

[Conaway2]

I use them on 2 cars.

I remember reading something a couple of years ago from someone who actually tested them and found the engine compartment temp stayed 10-15 degrees F cooler with the pans.

I certainly notice a healthy airflow from the hood louvers at idle with the pans installed.

Henry didn’t spend money to put insulation in Model A’s, but he did install the pans….he always had a reason for what he did and didn’t spend money unnecessarily.

Jim

[WHN]

I have always used them.

Just sold a car that we owned for over 40 years. I installed engine pans on the car in the early 80’s. Never a problem.

Better cooling, engine compartment stays cleaner, looks better.

Just think about this for a minute. With the pans, there should be less turbulence behind the radiator. I really think that is the main reason they are there.

Enjoy.

[Gene F]

I use them. They only occasionally are inconvenient. I just think they create suction for the cooling going down the road.

[Jim M]

do NOT use them. I want as original as possible.

[Keith True]

Jim,I don't understand.You want as original as possible,but not use the original engine pans?Did you leave something out of your post?

[Tacoma Bob]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

i put them on and have no issues. The engine stays cleaner and the engine bay looks more finished. I tapped the frame holes so the bolts can be more easily installed. It makes removal and replacement a breeze.

x-2

[duke36]

They can add elec. grounding from frame to block

[Bill G]

When I bought the car the pans were long gone. I am not in any hurry to get them. I am not having any cooling issues, even with summer temps over 100.

[Kurt in NJ]

i like having them, no hassle, only removed them once in 50 years, makes it easy to drain any leaks, fluid changes, catches tools you drop,

[w.michael]

I keep or add engine pans to all cars as I refurbish them.

W. Michael

[Y-Blockhead]

I think the engine pans make the engine bay look more complete. The only issue I have had is the ears where they use the oil pan bolts tend to crack from vibrations. I installed some trimmed fender washers to spread out the clamping force. I have not had a problem since.

[jeepguy1948]

I apologize for my mispelling of the title, it should ready “How many of you” I don’t know I missed that

[Synchro909]

I can see how the mounting points would crack so I wonder about mounting them on rubber like they use on the number plates, indicators etc on motor cycles.
It's easy to make a double ended bolt for holding the sump and to attach the pans. That covers that side of them. Weld a nut on the inside of the chassis (or tap the hole) where they attach there. Put a rubber sleeve above and below the pan all held in place by a nut and washer. I'd use a Nylock nut, I think. That should leave them mounted softly enough that they won't crack.

[jeepguy1948]

My ‘28 RPU does not have them they were long gone when I got it.

[Keith True]

I've used double ended oil pan bolts from old Chevy V-8's.Half is to hold the oil pan,and the other half was to hold battery cable brackets.I would take them from off engines in the scrap motor pile at the junkyard.

[Aretino]

They are on mine

[Seth Swoboda]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I think the engine bay looks naked without them. I like them on V8 Fords as well. Completes the look of the engine bay. I find that they are not a hassle. Who is taking them on and off so often?

[Gufshoz]

I used to have issues with overheating. When I put the pans on I had problems with running too cold: thus, I now have a thermostat that keeps her at a nice 160 f.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Gufshoz

I used to have issues with overheating. When I put the pans on I had problems with running too cold: thus, I now have a thermostat that keeps her at a nice 160 f.

Methinks 160° is a bit low, I prefer 180°.

[MAG]

X2 on post 20.

[jeepguy1948]

Synchro, I’d buy yours but well, the shipping might be a deal breaker LoL.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by jeepguy1948

Synchro, I’d buy yours but well, the shipping might be a deal breaker LoL.

Shipping would make them too expensive but that's a problem we face all of the time.
Pity we can't drive there ourselves to pickup stuff. In fact, we can't drive to any other country.

[rackops]

I use them in my car. I prefer the look and have had no issue with them.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I put them on and have no issues. The engine stays cleaner and the engine bay looks more finished. I tapped the frame holes so the bolts can be more easily installed. It makes removal and replacement a breeze.

Same here, tapping the frame is a "no brainer!"

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Same here, tapping the frame is a "no brainer!"

On the V8 models Ford used a cad plated self tapping screw. Pretty easy to install.

[David in San Antonio]

Did Ford use pans throughout A production? I think I heard they were discontinued, then added back. True or malarkey?

[Chris in WNC]

early in 1928, Ford discontinued the fan shroud.
if engine pans had no useful function, they would have been discontinued also.
anything to reduce production cost.

the car looks better with them installed.
when I see a Model A for sale without engine pans I assume the seller does not really know what they are doing, makes the entire car just slightly suspect.

[A model Thom]

I've never seen them on an Australian built car, I'd never even heard of them until I joined a few American based Facebook groups/forums, doesn't mean they never had on rhd model a's, I'm just saying I've never seen them

[Flathead]

Are they a pain? Yes. Do I use them? Absolutely!
The Model A was a well designed package, when you start changing things you upset what was laid out to be a harmonious design. The pans are a part of cooling, electrical grounding, and dirt being sucked into the carb. and more.

[ursus]

One solution to the problem of fracturing fan blades is the use of plastic fans. I wonder if sturdy and squeak-free engine pans could be formed from 1/8 inch black polyethylene plastic?

[Canton_Model_A's]

just ordered my 2 Black powder coated ones from Snyders, should be here tomorrow, but lots of luck me puttin' them in anytime soon. the Snow has to go away first and get a tad bit warmer.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Canton_Model_A's

just ordered my 2 Black powder coated ones from Snyders, should be here tomorrow, but lots of luck me puttin' them in anytime soon. the Snow has to go away first and get a tad bit warmer.

This is a Hobby, not a job.

Enjoy your car. Wait till a nice warm spring day.

Tell us how it works out.

Haze Gray and Underway.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Yeah hobby, it is fun, repairs with a 5# hammer are easy. slowly getting her back to how she rolled off the line, within reason. Not going for the Blue-Ribbon award. Just glad I got one and can have fun with it.

[burner31]

Won mine as a door prize at a car show, put them on...love them

[al's28/33]

I have a fan shroud, 4 blade aftermarket fan and pans with a double venturi carb, never overheated and she purrrrrrrrrrrrs like a kitten.

[vangogh]

Have been lucky for several yrs. with pans. No Problems yet and the look is great. Also, easy to drain water and wipe any oil from the steering box.

[Ramman]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

alexiskai;2198860]The benefits of engine pans are well-understood.


Could you please relay any if not all of these benefit of running splash pans?
Thanks. Learning as I go.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by Ramman

Could you please relay any if not all of these benefit of running splash pans?
Thanks. Learning as I go.

See post #5. Engine pans reduce dust infiltration into the engine bay, which can help if you're not using an air filter. They direct the flow of oil or coolant when you're doing things like draining the radiator or removing the valve cover, so it makes cleanup easier. They are thought to improve the performance of the cooling system by forcing air to come through the radiator and out the louvers, rather than allowing air to move in and out randomly through the bottom of the engine bay; however, this is mostly conjecture and anecdote, it hasn't been proven and we don't have documentation from the OEM stating that this is the intent.

[Aretino]

i use them

[Lawrie]

One benefit no one has mentioned, they are great for storing stuff,
I have a little box on mine on the left side, to store stuff, oil bottle ,rainex,etc
Lawrie

[29spcoupe]

I use them because they were on my car when I bought it. I like the look.

[burner31]

I'm using them

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

One benefit no one has mentioned, they are great for storing stuff,
I have a little box on mine on the left side, to store stuff, oil bottle ,rainex,etc
Lawrie

You could wrap a burrito in foil and place it on the right side by the pipe to keep it warm.

Mine saved my K&N air filter from getting lost...

[stevemclark]

In a November 1929 service bulletin there is a design change to help with the tabs breaking. Find the later ones to replace ones that broke. P.393.