Workhorse chassis, replace the baffle in front of the engine?

[harveyd]

anyone have instructions of how to replace a baffle on the front of the engine? It's the neoprene mat that protects the engine from road dirt or other stuff.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by harveyd anyone have instructions of how to replace a baffle on the front of the engine? It's the neoprene mat that protects the engine from road dirt or other stuff.

Are you talking about the rubber "fabric" that is attached to the top of the radiator and the coach body?

[RVThere]

When I had my 2003 Workhorse, I took the old 'rubber mat' out and bought some heavy duty rubber floor matting from my local farm supply store.

I used the old mat as a template and cut out the new mat. I then installed the new mat. It was not a perfect fit as some AC lines went through the mat but I wrapped the mat around the bottom of those lines.

[paz]

A major purpose of the shield it to make sure air flows through the radiator rather than around it and up over the engine, so it definitely needs to be there to help keep your engine from overheating. Not sure of the best way to replace it though.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz A major purpose of the shield it to make sure air flows through the radiator rather than around it and up over the engine, so it definitely needs to be there to help keep your engine from overheating. Not sure of the best way to replace it though.

I have driven my '02 Suncruiser for 6 years sans baffle. Most of my a good portion of our travel is in mountains. In fact, I just came through high altitude run from AZ to Texas. In 70,000 miles, the gauge has yet to raise over the acceptable range.

Just my experiences. YMMV

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamguy Just my experiences. YMMV

hamguy, That's not to say that your vehicle would not appreciate having the fabric in place because it does accomplish what it's intended to do.

"Take a load off Annie!"

In 2002 the fabric was thin rubber sheet that just simply ripped and fell off why heck you were probably better to just rip it off and throw it away. In later years beginning in 2004 the fabric has an inter woven liner and it's long lasting at this point and I have been running mine for 70,000 miles and would not know what to do without it.

Right now I have over 91,000 miles.

It's like taking a Green Beret and telling him he has to carry a 100 pound ruck sack all day long .. forever .. he could do it BUT would he be able to do his job better w/o the ruck sack? I would say yes.

Folks have been able to retrofit the fabric and install it using home made materials. I say bravo for the effort and the technology behind the replacement of the fabric is sound.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz Not sure of the best way to replace it though.

It would be rather simple if one had a template however that said, anyone of us with the fabric in place could get the basic measurements and install the thing. What's involved is perhaps 5 - #8 sheet metal screws - washers and a 2 to 3 tie wraps. The holes should already be in the body if the screws are missing. At the factory those screws are self tapping so they can actually go just about anywhere along the top of the firewall.

[njs42]

I wish with all my heart I knew just what you are talking about----where is this thing?
Rigs in storage---next time I go check on it I'll take a peek, just do not know what I am looking for?

Top of radiator to coach body is that right?

I've been all over my engine compartment in the past---heck mine might be gone???
This could lead to my Ah-ha moment.

[DriVer]

This is a picture of the fabric. it's the black sheet over the top of the radiator and it is fastened to the top of the firewall. Note that I used fender washers under the screws.



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[njs42]

Thanks--that is easy to spot---not that it is meaningful to the thread but I know I do not have that set up---but maybe a similar arrangement---for instance my oil fill and oil and transmission dip sticks are very exposed and not draped with anything---I just cannot remember what is above except that it is fastened, whatever it is---I'll see when I look.

[MegaRoadie]

Dont know if thread it too "aged" to comment but:
Replaced my Air Dam with heavy duty industrial carpeting from Lowe's. Had no template but did have desire to cut the cab noise and get engine temps back to normal.
1. The job was NOT at all difficult or I never would have been able to do it !
2. Total parts and supplies less than $60.00
3. Total labor was 3 hours 1.5 each for me and son.
4. Noise reduction was unbelieveble !
5. At the time had no SGII so the darned GM guage in cluster showed nothing.
6. And most important, DW was extatic with the noise and doghouse heat reductions making it a Million Dollar Baby for me !!!!!!!!!!!

I do NOT suffer from mental illness, but rather enjoy it daily !