Central Engine Cover

[John Edgar]

I am the proud owner of an IS250, which is great. A problem has arisen with the central engine cover, the bit that goes over the top of the engine with the L on it and a hole for the oil filler. Two of the clip sheaths on the bottom have broken off: these are the sheaths that clip onto the pins on top of the engine that holds the cover in place. It is now only being held by the rear clip. Does this have any implications, or is it so close to the underside of the bonnet that it really does not matter, and so will not flap about at 85 m.p.h.? Thanks for any info. John.

[steve2006]

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/71200-plastic-clips-on-engine-covers/

[normski2]

Not quite the same Steve.

The outer covers are held down with the little clips(that always vanish).

The central cover pushes down directly onto the top of the engine.

Think it would be OK as it can't really go far. You could always look out for one from a breaker or fleabay maybe.

[is200 Newbie]

John

Its not a problem - mine has been broken for over a year and I have had absolutely no issues with it at all.

You will probably find the broken tabs still held in the resesses they attach to. I have tried gluing them back on but cant find a strong enough adhesive that holds. You will probably hear a small rattle from it when driving at speed but if you place a blob of blu tac on the broken tab then it will hold it enough to stop the rattle.

I have yet to find a decent priced one on eBay - used ones sell for around £100 on eBay and I am not prepared to pay that.

[ChumpusRex]

Mine was broken. I fixed it with some epoxy putty and aluminium repair mesh. This wasn't strong enough. So I had to drill it, and put bolts through the epoxy to hold it on.

[John Edgar]

Thanks for the help. I was worried it might flap about and thereby reduce fuel consumption somehow. I will try the blue-tack option and see where that goes. I asked Toyota what the price of a new one is. They said they have to get it from Japan and it would be £250 - a bit of a joke. I did find one on eBay for £50, but will give that a miss too.

John