Alternative heat shields?

pol · Post by **pol** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:31 pm

Hi,

I have had the unfortunate task of removing my starter motor today. I forgot how much of an arse it it to remove all the little heat shields. Not very user friendly at all!

I dont really want to put them back on! I was thinking I could just wrap the downpipe in some sort of insulating material. Has anyone done this? Would it do the job? I think I saw maybe rpruen and martin had used some material on the turbo or exhaust when they upgraded some bits.

What could I use to do this? It'll save a lot of effort next time I need to access the starter or drive shafts or exhaust etc.

pol

pol · Post by **pol** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:37 pm

Or better still, can I ditch them completely? Are they really needed?

pol

pol · Post by **pol** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:14 pm

Well I have replaced the starter motor (now working and sounding like a new car), and have opted to not replace 2 of the 3 'heatshields' as they are in such an akward position. I'd rather have access to my starter motor and don't think the heat will be able to do much damage to it.

I have left the driveshaft shield in place to avoid premature perishing of the cv boot.

Steering rack shield I think is pointless again and one of the securing screws for it sheared off when removing anyway.

I may try and insulate the turbo + exhaust with some sort of material if I can find something suitable.

pol

Ben Harris · Post by **Ben Harris** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:33 pm

You can get exhaust heat-wrap, which would be ideal for the job. Have a search through eBay - last time I looked, there was loads on there!

Ben.

pol · Post by **pol** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:07 pm

Thanks Ben, that sounds ideal. And it comes in an array of chavvy colours! Maybe I could wrap my whole engine in it?!

pol

guitarcarfanatic · Post by **guitarcarfanatic** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:46 pm

I swear a problem can occur when the heat shield isn't on there that the starter gets too hot and then won't work til it cools down. Maybe only on long jouneys but remember a couple people having it.

pol · Post by **pol** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:05 pm

I'm pretty sure there is no sort of heat sensor in the motor. I'm going to try it and see. The foil had all come off of the shield anyway.

pol

Murf · Post by **Murf** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:07 pm

Its not so much a sensor, more that the heat make the starter seize up!
I'd get some heat wrap on it before it cooks the starter and you have to change it again!

pol · Post by **pol** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:04 am

Fair enough, point taken guitarcarfanatic and murf.

I don't really want that happening either.

Thanks for the advice.

pol

pol · Post by **pol** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:59 am

I think i've found my shop:

http://www.exhaustwrapshop.com/default.aspx

They do wrap around starter shields and all sorts. A bit pricey though, they seem to be cheaper on US websites but shipping will be expensive.

I think this might be what i'm looking for.

pol

pol · Post by **pol** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:53 pm

I've ordered one from this rather boy racer looking site!:

http://www.autoinparts.com/Heat_Shield_ ... index.html

Seemed to have a good price. I toyed with the idea of just buying some matting as it was cheaper but not as highly rated (heat wise) as the starter sleeve.

Also ordered some exhaust heat wrap. Not sure how good it'll be but I like the idea.

pol