Engine Splash Guard Oil Change Modification?

Sparehead · Post by **Sparehead** » 23 Dec 2019, 12:32

Hello everyone, I'm new (to the forums and Volvos). The Mrs. just bought a used 3rd gen XC70. Seems like a nice car. We haven't even picked it up yet, but I've been doing some research and I see I'm in for some fun oil changes. I haven't even done one yet and I'm already groaning at the thought of having to pull that big splash guard panel off for each oil change.

I've read here and there that a few people just leave the splash guard off, or have purchased cars without one present. I'd rather not do that so I came up with the idea of cutting a teardrop-shaped hole into it, starting at the back of the oil pan where the drain is. It'd be wide enough to turn a ratchet and teardrop shaped to account for the initial pour coming from the rearward facing drain plug.

Has anyone else here done something similar? I'm wondering if there's a good reason to not do this. It's only plastic so it can't offer too much protection for the oil pan, and even still I'd be cutting it just aft of the pan. It shouldn't allow too much in the way of dirt, water, or debris into the engine compartment, and certainly less than leaving it off altogether. I'd appreciate any thoughts from the Volvo veterans. Thanks.

Sparehead · Post by **Sparehead** » 23 Dec 2019, 12:42

Sorry, I posted to the wrong section. It should have been under the 2008-2016 generation of cars. Such a noob...

Post by **matthew1** » 23 Dec 2019, 13:00

All set

Post by **oragex** » 23 Dec 2019, 15:40

I think one of the things is to have the hole is such way, so as not have the oil from the filter leaking onto the plate - this will cause the oil to run on the top of the plate and drip at some other place. Maybe look here

Post by **cn90** » 23 Dec 2019, 17:36

I thought about it too but decided to leave it alone.

To do it "properly", you need to cut 2 openings:
1. A round opening for the oil filter area.
2. A rectangular hole for the oil drain plug area.

Seriously, removing the 6 or 7 10-mm bolts is not that bad, it takes about 2-3 minutes.
Trick: loose the REAR 2 bolts first bc if you don't you will likely crack the plastic shield precisely at those places.

Post by **oragex** » 23 Dec 2019, 18:42

Agree, with an electric drill+socket, the plate is out in no time - we get used with removing it

Sparehead · Post by **Sparehead** » 24 Dec 2019, 09:51

Thanks for the replies. That is a sweet looking skidplate. I wouldn't put it past her, but I'm going to remain hopeful the Mrs. won't need anything that substantial. Regarding the oil filter, I've seen videos showing at least for the '08-'16 V/XC70 the oil filter more easily comes out from the top. It just requires moving the steering fluid reservoir out of its clip and off to the side. It's the upright and encapsulated type so the filter oil should drain into the pan. So far this is the only model I've looked at. I'd assume they're not all like that.

I suppose I'll make up my mind once I get to that first oil change and need to take the thing off. I was hoping with this car being higher off the ground than most I'd be able to do oil changes without lifting it or needing ramps, but I'm not sure that'll be the case if I need to remove that skidplate each time.

Post by **matthew1** » 24 Dec 2019, 11:12

Even with a $25 jack from Pep Boys, I got so I could get the front of my 850 or V70, chocked, off the floor and jackstanded in 2 minutes.

This https://www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-al ... 64545.html is what I'll buy next, because, well, it's good to have decent tools.