Mmr1

It’s summer and hot, heat is not good for the motor and plastics . I removed the plastic cover on top the motor to not trap heat. What about the bottom tray? Why keep it on in summer, it just traps heat! In winter or wet weather I can understand the benefit but not now in July.

John CC

Sometimes those covers are designed to facilitate airflow through the engine compartment by creating high or low pressure areas. Turbulence under the front of the car makes it harder for air in the engine compartment to get out.

I had Volvo XC90 with an NACA duct formed into the bottom cover right by the alternator. Removing the cover had the opposite effect of what you might expect.

W205C43PFL

Agree, it helps with aerodynamics and protects the vehicle's underbody from road debris. It also helps protect the various components from getting damaged if you hit the bottom of the vehicle due to a speed bump of something. There are holes in the front cover to drain water and you will notice a raised lip.

W205C43PFL

Since you removed the engine cover, you might want to consider removing the insulation on top of the hood, as the heat might affect/burn that.

That said, the insulation may or may help with trapping noise (and heat like the engine cover) but it is also there to protect the paint of the hood from the engine heat. Removing the insulation might then burn the paint.

Silver Shadow

The car was designed with the covers. It's water cooled, not air cooled. Removing the engine cover is a very strange idea for sure. To each his own.
How about a hood scoop for air flow?

calder-cay

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Funny on the hood scoop!!

My most recent Honda motorcycles, a Gold Wing, ST1300 (actually had 2), and NC700, are ALL water cooled. And guess what - they are ALL ENCASED with plastic all around them. There's a reason for doing so ... directed air flow to move the HEAT out and away.
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A nekkid motorcycle is NO fun - believe me, been riding for 50 years, so been thru it all !
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Those "trays" are there for a REASON ... the owners manual doesn't suggest removing them. Personally, I would never consider removing them. Heck, my wife's 2001 E320 has them !!

John CC

Well, mine are off right now... Still have a couple of things to get sorted, then they'll go back on. I just hope I can remember what I did with all the screws...