'93 850 SE Saloon / Sedan: Under-engine pan essential?

Question

I've managed to trash the plastic pan that lies beneath and across the engine compartment at the front of my '93 850 SE Saloon / Sedan. (Drove up over a high kerb.)

Its function appears to be to protect the radiator and whatever else from road debris and/or to improve the aerodynamics underneath the car.

I'm loath to replace it on the basis that a) it's likely to be expensive to do so and b) it's probable that I'll trash it again soon (!).

On the other hand, if it's an essential item, then I obviously need to get it sorted.

Comments on this pan's importance would be appreciated.

TIA,

Stuart C

Perry Noid · Accepted Answer

can't speak for your model, but I had the same thing happen to my '89 240wagon a few months ago while on a long trip... not unexpected, since it wasliterally hanging by a thread, and finally broke loose. I finished my trip(about 600 miles) without problem, but was able to find a perfectreplacement at a local junk yard when I got home. I think it cost around$25, perhaps even less..... you might consider that before contacting yourlocal Volvo dealer!

Spanky · Answer

I would replace it even if it's not absolutely essential to the car getting from point A-B. You will get better fuel economy, have a higher top speed and the engine's cooling is designed to work with the pan in place. It's conceivable that you could over heat a little easier without the pan.

Stuart Cormie · Answer

Actually, I have noticed fuel consumption has gone up since it came off.

Thanks for that (and to the other posters who responded). The consensus here (and elsewhere) is clearly to get the pan repaired or replaced, which I will do.

The good news is, after having made enquiries, a new part is nowhere near as expensive as I'd feared.

Stuart C

John Horner · Answer

FYI, at least in the US, Volvo deleted that pan for 1994 and laterproduction.

'93 850 SE Saloon / Sedan: Under-engine pan essential?

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