Is there ANOTHER heat shield back by the cat? Whoever installed the new cat for the PO did such a hack job that I can't tell what the exhaust is supposed to look like, but there's half of a suspiciously clamshellish piece right after the two downpipes merge into one. And whatever it is, it's rattling like a coffee can full of gravel.

If you choose to remove it, be careful!

About a year ago I removed mine using the heavy-handed approach. As noted, the shield is spot-welded to the two downpipes - didn't realize this. I ripped two small holes in those pipes. Not a really big deal, but it is a PITA to reseal the holes with Fireseal 2000 periodically......




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90 244DL about 1/4 million miles - original engine/drivetrain :)

If you choose to remove it, be careful!

About a year ago I removed mine using the heavy-handed approach. As noted, the shield is spot-welded to the two downpipes - didn't realize this. I ripped two small holes in those pipes. Not a really big deal, but it is a PITA to reseal the holes with Fireseal 2000 periodically......

If it's rattling, doesn't that mean that it has _already_ come un-spot-welded from the pipes?

-b.

Don't know...

Do know that when I pulled off my shield I had two small holes in the top of my header pipe. Maybe some break at the top of the weld and others (like mine) break loose inside the header pipe??

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90 244DL about 1/4 million miles - original engine/drivetrain :)

What is fireshield and where can I get some/
Thanks Dan

Dan,

It's a product made by the POR-15 people (rust removal). Price has gone up from $10 to $15, still a bargain IMO...Here is a URL from their website for more info -

http://www.por15.com/product.asp?productid=7

After looking into welding the holes in my downpipe ($$), someone on this board mentioned Fire Seal 2000, so I checked it out. Applied it to the two holes over a year ago and it has held up remarkably well! First exhaust repair product I've ever used that has held up for any length of time. Had to reseal one of the holes recently. Nonetheless, that's value as far as I'm concerned!!!


Jim

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90 244DL about 1/4 million miles - original engine/drivetrain :)

You can push a large chisel between the two halves of the shield, and the spot welds holding the halves together will break easily. Then just prise the halves apart and pull the thing off. Use it as part of a modern sculpture or something - that's what it's most useful for. That or as an impromptu musical instrument that plays itself at random times.


-b.

Yes That Is A Heat Shield There And Yes They Do Rattle. I Removed Mine Over A Year Ago. No Problems Have Yet Resulted From Doing So.