Heat shield

[Gogso1]

Quick question, is the heat shield that sits above the exhaust on a 2l air cooled that vital? Mines has come loose at one end and is clattering against the silencer, making an awfy racket. Out at the van just now and my first instinct is just to get rid (looks like a finicky temp repair cd be poss but my hands are going numb!).

Cheers

[72BUG]

Technically yes. It all helps direct the air flow around the engine to keep it cool.

However I have known several people who have removed it with no problems.

I would remove it in the short term. Don't think you'll have to worry too much about over heating in the winter, but try and replace it before summer if you can.

[Gogso1]

Cheers. I've managed to wire it back up, but if it comes loose again I'll get rid. Thanks again.

[Gogso1]

Well, got the headshield welded back up and it turns out thats not the source of the noise after all so I'm a bit stuck.

Is there anything else exhaust related that could be making that sort of knocking (really sounds like its coming from that area, towards the tail pipe end)? Tends to be worst when under load in 1st, 2nd and to a lesser extent 3rd, and is intermittant (though I would say becomming less intermittant...). I'm also getting a backfire pulling away in 1st and more often than not when shifting from 1st to 2nd, so I suspect there are exhaust issues looming and that in the not too distant future I'll have to bite the bullet and replace the whole system.

I've had a good look under the van and there doesnt appear to be anything else loose that could be causing it, and the van is driving and pulling really well.

Any suggestions or ideas greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Gordon

[1664]

Check the tailpipe isn't too close to the bodywork causing it to tap it when the engine's running?

[Gogso1]

Cheers, plenty clearance (sadly...) though.

[ghost123uk]

I'm also getting a backfire pulling away in 1st and more often than not when shifting from 1st to 2nd, so I suspect there are exhaust issues looming and that in the not too distant future I'll have to bite the bullet and replace the whole system.

In view of the backfiring (usually, but not always caused by a leaking exhaust) I would say you are right about having a good examination and if required replacing it.

At least it ain't a water cooled with all the pitfalls involved changing exhausts there

Remember, PlusGas NOT WD40

[faggie]

as long as you soak the exhaust mounting studs and nuts coming out of the cylinder head before attempting to undo them as they can shear the studs of if not previously soaked and too much brute force is used

[nevill3]

On my diesel vans exhaust the rubber mount that's near the tail pipe had "delaminated".....(the rubber had separated from the metal plates used to bolt it on), it wasn't immediately obvious because it always returned to its correct position when looked at with the engine off....only by giving it a wiggle showed that the exhaust mount had failed. I am not sure if you have the same mounts on yours but just thought I would pass on my recent experience.

[Gogso1]

On my diesel vans exhaust the rubber mount that's near the tail pipe had "delaminated".....(the rubber had separated from the metal plates used to bolt it on), it wasn't immediately obvious because it always returned to its correct position when looked at with the engine off....only by giving it a wiggle showed that the exhaust mount had failed. I am not sure if you have the same mounts on yours but just thought I would pass on my recent experience.

Thanks, I'm not sure either, but I'll try and have a look in the morning (weather, wife, and kids permitting!).