Alternator heat shield? (Page 1/1)
Mmpete0131 AUG 30, 05:00 PM
Hey everyone,
My heat shield on my alternator rattles like crazy at idle. I’ve removed, tightened the clips, and put back on only to find out it still rattles...my question is, do I really need to keep this on? I see the insulation, but was curious if this is absolutely critical to the health of the alternator. Thoughts??
Patrick AUG 30, 05:22 PM

Do you wish to cook (and replace) your alternator every couple of months?
Spoon AUG 30, 06:20 PM
Besides the clips isn't there a stud & nut on the rear of the alternator to secure the shield?

Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

Patrick AUG 30, 06:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by Spoon:

Besides the clips isn't there a stud & nut on the rear of the alternator to secure the shield?



I've only ever seen a short bolt, but I suppose a stud and nut could've been used in some applications. Found an image from the PFF archives which I believe shows a bolt...

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-09-2024).]

Mmpete0131 AUG 31, 09:09 AM
Yes there is a bolt and washer. As mentioned I removed it, adjusted the clips, and reinstalled it using the nut & washer. It’s as tight as possible so the bolt isn’t the issue; still rattles. Obviously I don’t want to burn up the alternator- that was the reason for my question. I’ve removed heat shields on dozens of cars in years past and have never had an issue result.
Thanks again for the input!

[This message has been edited by Mmpete0131 (edited 08-31-2019).]

fierofool AUG 31, 02:22 PM
That shield helps to capture the air from the trunk blower tube, directing it into the alternator.
Spoon AUG 31, 09:14 PM
Make sure the bolt is not too long. Could be bottoming out before getting tight against the shield. Here's a pic of mine that I modified years ago to fit the CS130 upgrade. I show bolt vs stud as options. I know the CS130 has a built in fan and a shield isn't required but the heat from the manifold is still present.



Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

Patrick AUG 31, 09:30 PM

quote
Originally posted by Spoon:

I know the CS130 has a built in fan and a shield isn't required but the heat from the manifold is still present.



I would have to disagree with you there. On the '88 Fieros with a 2.8 (which came from the factory with CS130 alternators), a heat shield is still required. However, instead of it being attached to the alternator itself, it's attached to the exhaust manifold.



[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-09-2024).]

Spoon AUG 31, 10:12 PM
I stand corrected. I haven't had to deal with the 88's.

Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut