Air Dam = Dirty Engine?

[darcane]

I was a little surprised by something when I went to change the oil this weekend: my engine was filthy! Dirt and dust all over the engine. I suppose that means the air dam and grill block are working and there is a low pressure zone under the hood.

Anyone else notice the same?

[Blue Angel]

I've been using a full top grille block on my Cruze Eco all winter. The lower grille is blocked by the shutter system staying closed at low temps. My engine stays nice and clean, save for the salt spray that gets through the two spots where the hood seal stops short of the edge of the headlights. I will be dealing with that.

This car has a full below engine compartment shield, though, so that has a lot to do with it. GM issued a recall to cut away part of the shield (sloppy oil changers were dripping oil on it, creating a fire hazard). Owners who have had their shield cut due to the recall have noticed their engines get much dirtier than before.

I'm keeping my shield uncut, thank you very much.

[turbovr41991]

do you have all the underbody pannels under the engine? I would guess it is more coming in from the bottom than the front.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by turbovr41991

do you have all the underbody pannels under the engine? I would guess it is more coming in from the bottom than the front.

My car didn't have any panels underneath the engine when I got it, but I have no idea if it came with one or not. I am thinking about building one though.

[wmjinman]

I hope it doesn't happen to my car. Right now I've got about a 95% grille block & no additional air dam, but intend to add a belly pan. But when I checked my oil yesterday at the gas station, the "new" engine was nice & shiny-clean. Really hope it stays that way . . . much nicer to look at than the old, greasy unit in there before.

[aerohead]

When was the last time you looked at the engine,and what kind of road surface are you driving on?