Re: Muffler Heat Shield

["Toby Peterson" <tobyp@xxxx>]

Dave - The heat shield that should be installed between the muffler 
and the engine accessory belts is made from a mineral board (probably 
asbestos). If there is no shield, you will experience higher failure 
rates of belts, A/C idler pulley bearings, and possibly crankshaft 
seal due to chronic exposure to radiant heat. You can get stock 
replacements from your favorite DeLorean vendor, or you can fabricate 
(or have it fabricated) a replacement using aluminum sheet metal. 
That's what I did. I enlarged the profile of the replacement shield 
to better protect the alternator and A/C compressor and drive 
components. I believe that the good folks in England have done 
similar things. I used .100" thick aluminum, and picked up the same 
bolt holes as the stock shield. Because I extended the shield to 
protect the A/C compressor, I had to fabricate a small brace that goes 
from the shield to a nearby bolt hole on the left hand valve cover to 
keep the shield from vibrating. Works great. Other people have found 
different types of mineral board and had replacements made. Perhaps 
somebody on the List who has done that can provide details?

Toby Peterson VIN 2248
Winged1


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, doctorDHD@xxxx wrote:
> I noticed that my DeLorean does not have a muffler heat shield. How 
> important is it. What will happen if it remains off. What is it 
made of. Can I 
> build one myself?