Your guess is as good as mine


_________________
2003 Pure Silver and black Mini with everything but a supercharger, CVT, GPS and 17 inch wheels

 

It's for the power steering, to keep it cool.

See ya,
JS

 

This is one of the reasons that some of the Mini community are purchasing the skid plate. The fan, from what I hear, can get torn up easily depending on the conditions of the roads that you traverse. The skid plate will keep the big rocks from attacking your Steering Pump Cooling Fan.


Frank

_________________
<A HREF="http://www.shaskan.com/initials.htm" TARGET="_blank">
</A>

 

&gt;&gt;This is one of the reasons that some of the Mini community are purchasing the skid plate. The fan, from what I hear, can get torn up easily depending on the conditions of the roads that you traverse. The skid plate will keep the big rocks from attacking your Steering Pump Cooling Fan.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;Frank
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;_________________
&gt;&gt;<A HREF="http://www.shaskan.com/initials.htm" TARGET="_blank">
&gt;&gt;</A>


More critically, the reason has more to do with the fact that the PS cooling fan and the engine cooling fan are on the same electrical circuit. There are reports of these fans sucking up road debris (e.g. plastic shopping bag) and becoming jammed which then causes the fuse to blow. Since the engine fan then won't switch on when needed the car overheats.

 

&gt;&gt;More critically, the reason has more to do with the fact that the PS cooling fan and the engine cooling fan are on the same electrical circuit. There are reports of these fans sucking up road debris (e.g. plastic shopping bag) and becoming jammed which then causes the fuse to blow. Since the engine fan then won't switch on when needed the car overheats.

I think I read in another thread that, on the 2003 Mini, the PS cooling fan and the engine cooling fan are no longer on the same electrical circuit.

I, too, am going to install the skid plate to protect the power steering fan. I had a similar issue on a previous car and want to avoid another nightmare.

My $0.02.

 

Skid Plate was the first option installed by the dealer, I purchased from them and they installed for free. I made sure it was installed for delivery. I wanted to ensure the lower part of the car was protected.

Also, it looks really cool also. I show it off all the time when people are lookong at the car.

 

but does having the skid plate on there then restrict air flow??? is that any better than having the fan exposed?

 

no restrictions