Damn, I've got a lot of questions here in the tech section as of late. Then again, my car is legal and driveable now so I've got to work out all o' the bugs.

Mkay now, the frigging lame-ass mechanic that put in the engine didn't re-install the heat shield for the alternator. How important is it that I have this in and how hard is it to put in myself? I'm gonna go throw a wrench at the guy, but I think that he'll just send me on my way. We shall see.

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^{The Black Beauty (85 GT) - Bustedato (86 SE, Parts car)
Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things
AOL IM: KSSouter
MSN IM: I_R_Sootah@hotmail.com}

Make him put it on. With the alternator that close to the exhaust manifold, you definately want it, cuz the heat will bake your alternator and severly shorten its life.

If you don't mind paying for a new alt every 6 months or the hassle of replaceing it, don't worry about it!

YES~~~~ put it back on to save money and time! or ask your "Mechanic" If he would replace it free if it goes out!

look how close that alt is to the manifold! It's there for a reason.

I wouldn't run without that shield

My 2¢ worth

Definitely put the heat shield back on. If you have the shield and bolt it is like a 1-2minute job top.

quote Originally posted by mindscape: it is like a 1-2minute job top.

I disagree. On my engine I had to remove it to gain access to the mounting/adjusting bolts for the distrib and it is difficult to get to at best. Part of the tension is the thought of losing one of the heat shield screws.
It's not easy to get to, but your distrib needs it Sootah. Round it up and get it put on.

Sly

I don't know about how difficult it is to get to, I have not had a alternator heat shield as long as i've owned the car, and i've never had a problem. Guess i'm lucky

On a V6 car, really, it is a 1-2 minute job. On a L4 it may be more difficult. Suppose I'm going to have to post some pictures.

Mine won't fit with the Fiero store manifolds so I had to leave it off. I haven't had any problems yet.

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my 85 GT didnt have a alternator heat sheild on it when i bought it and my alternator wires are burned right by the plug. i havent driven it much so i dont know if the burned alt wires are from the exhaust heat or the fact that the negative battery cable wasnt hooked up the block. it just had the real small wire for a ground.

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[This message has been edited by fiero_nightmare (edited 01-30-2002).]

quote Originally posted by SLYGUY: It's not easy to get to, but your distrib needs it Sootah. Round it up and get it put on. Sly

Alternator heat shield, not distributor.

Does the alternator heat shield keep ground water/road dirt/etc off of the alternator belt? I'm having a heck of a time with alternator belt squealing and the belt is tight. According to the dealer (whom I trust, BTW), there is supposed to be some sort of shield covering all or part of the belt. Is this what we're talking about?

no monkeyman. its on the back side of alt opposite the pully. I do have mine on, but if you get Autozone alter, they give you a free lifetime replacement on it anyway. I wouldnt mind getting a brand new one every year On a side note, apparently vettes have the same problem. alt dont last long, there no air into the engine comp, at least its less than Fiero.

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 01-31-2002).]