On Mon, 12 May 2008 04:58:17 -0500, "Tom" wrote:
><timbirr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
>news:81108efb-177f-46e4-a7ae-ce188a67ed5d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> My son just dragged home a 2000 Lincoln LS8. Of course he never
>> checked the engine compartment.
>>
>> I opened it and added some fluids, etc. Noticed a black plastic cover
>> atop the engine that is held on in three places by some sort of black
>> plastic bolts. Two of the three bolts are missing. It appears totally
>> "dress-up" meaning I don't think it really serves a purpose.
>>
>> I assume we can just remove this thing totally, or would it be better
>> to buy replacement fasteners from our local Ford dealer -- who
>> incidentially is some 45 miles away and in a direction I only travel
>> once a month or so...
>
>it is strictly a pretty it up doodad.
>that is the first thing to come off and go into the garbage on my
vehicles.
Don't be too sure - they do not spend money on engineering, making,
and installing stuff like that without a /really/ good reason.
It's probably there as added noise damping, and/or to channel
cooling air across the top of the engine because they were cooking the
plastic intake manifold, or something equally as stupid.
If the dealer fasteners are too expensive, design an alternative.
Good hardware stores have various sized bolts with plastic handwheel
knobs molded on top - three of those with the appropriate Speednut on
the mounting bracket, and it's neatly (and cheaply) fastened down.
Take the one bolt you have left into an Ace or True Value, or a good
auto parts with a Dorman or Motormite bolt bin, and see if they can
match them.
--<< Bruce >>--
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