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| Re-insulating the 85-87 V6 alternator heat shield (Page 1/1) |
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Kitskaboodle
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OCT 23, 11:13 PM
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Hi all, over the years I have picked up a few alternator heat shields from various Fiero’s in the yards and most the time, the insulation and silver tape on the inside looks a little dirty and ratty. I have always wondered if I could replicate/ re-do the insulation & silver tape on the inside. (and do a good job at it)
Has anybody out there redone theirs?
What kind of insulation did you use? Where did you buy it? I already have good quality roll of silver/aluminum tape.
Thanks, Kit
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PhatMax
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OCT 24, 03:34 PM
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Kitskaboodle
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OCT 24, 04:32 PM
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Thanks Phatmax for the link.
Since I posted this thread I have been checking Amazon as well. Ironically, I too am looking at some Thermo-Tec insulation. However, the ones I’m looking at have self-adhesive are a little thinner. Pricey for what you get but overall had good reviews.
For reference sake. here is a pic of the back of the alternator heat shield and the insulation piece that kind of fell off after a little cleaning. As an FYI, for this application the insulation needs to be very conforming.
Kit
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PhatMax
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OCT 24, 06:57 PM
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I think the adhesive backed material they have would work as it is thinner it should conform.
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theogre
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OCT 24, 10:03 PM
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Many things GM did in Fiero had issues/problems. This is very likely one of them and adding the engine blower for AC cars can hind any problem.
Often a heat shield w/ air between it and part protected works Better.
More so if the insulation block air flow around the alt...
While 85-87 V6 uses the aux engine blower, is not On all the time.
Yes, OE shield come w/ insulation but deleting the insulation may help more because Alt Case can use more air flow to dump heat it makes as that generates power.
Why do nearly all heat shields have no insulation?
Heat Shields mostly block IR from exhaust lighting up whatever and made of thin metal that doesn't have Mass to heat up and more so w/ any small air flow to front and ideally to the back too.
When OEM use insulation shield is often "0 clearance" for between exhaust and X part.
Large problems If X part makes heat like the Alt, the insulation can make that run hotter.
Many digital thermometer can read this direct or be easily mod'ed to work.
Example: Many cheap "meat" types sold under $20 just need 2 wires from the steel probe extended. If careful, the sensor isn't glued very well or not at all and can be pulled out of the probe.
You put the sensor on the alt when the shield is and install a shield w/ and w/o the insulation then drive w/ and w/o AC so blower is off/on.
Related:
Many People put insulation shields on the Starter too. Partly because even OEM may do the same.
Could seem to help but often isn't best for the Starter.
Simply metal shield even made from scrap that can get just ~ ¼" air gap is often way better.------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave
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