What is the purpose of the composite shield you have to remove to change the oil on a 2015 f150,with the 3.5 ecoboost engine. Is it just a fuel mileage thing or does it serve some other useful purpose?

 

From the design, I would say 3 purposes.

1. Part of air flow cooling (by creating a low pressure dead zone, high pressure air can flow freely moving more cooling air thru the engine compartment and around components (reduced "BRICK" syndrome).
2. Keeps crud that the front tires may kick up off of the rear engine/front transmission area
3 Aggravation

 

Thanks for the information.

 

From the looks of some of the new vehicles, I believe item #3 should be in #1's spot !

 

At least the oil filter is easier accessed and the drain/drip pan for the filter better designed on the 2015 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost. I pulled the cover off of my 2015 Lariat yesterday, popped the hood and can actually see the filter with ease from above and below.

 

You are right common sense oil filter is easier accessed.

 

Anytime I see our techs doing oil changes I am blown away by the amount of protective shields they have to take off. I think that they do serve a good purpose in protecting the vehicle from getting buildup from the road as common sense said. The down side to them is they can become an oil catcher that creates spots in your driveway.

 

Great post !!