Finally found the rattle....

[n/a]

Since owning this car, I've had a bit of repairs done, mostly maintenece items like rebuilding the water pump, replacing the leaking power steering pump, replacing motor mounts, replacing the oil cooler lines that burst (...don't ask!)as well as routine stuff, tune-ups, shocks, etc. I've been chasing annoying rattles/ vibrations also and eliminated them one by one. Except one that keeps returning, and driving me crazy! Well, I finally found it. It was the heat shield between the exhaust pipes and the passenger floor. I would tighten it, and it seems like after one good run, it would loosen and rattle again. I'd tighten it again, and it would be OK for a day, then start rattling again. I tried lock washers, etc. So, a few days ago, I had enough! I removed it completely so I could be sure that's what the problem actually was. That was the culprit! Now, I know the purists will say that was a mistake, and maybe so...but no more annoying rattle/ vibration! And I took the car out for a two hour run, and the passenger floor never seemed to heat up any more than it did before! Do you think there will be any long term detriment doing this? Is anyone else running their car without this heat shield? I will probably have it re-installed properly when I replace the exhaust system next year. But until then I plan to leave it out. Advice?

Steve W.
1968 280SL
www.stevewaddington.com/camaro

[ja17]

Hello Steve,
Yes I have seen these cause rattles and vibration noises. It seems the steel fasteners and the aluminum do not get along too well, epecially in salty snowy climates. The hole in the aluminum or the fastener hole becomes enlarged and things come loose. I think the main purpose of the shield is to make the passenger a little more comfortable.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[CarlG]

My car does not have the heat shield, I don't know why not, it may have been removed when the exhaust system was replaced some years back.  Anyway, the passenger floor does get very warm, not usually a problem because generally the only ones riding there are my sons and their feet don't reach the floor yet.  But I am going to replace it someday soon.

1967 230sl (stick)

[George Davis]

Steve,

if you decide to leave the heat shield out, you can wrap the exhaust pipes with header wrap where they pass under the footwell.  I did this on a race car where the exhaust passed right under the seat and cooked my heels and tailbone.  It made a big difference.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual