Heat Shield Repair, Lost Thread

[Roncallo]

Gentelmen

I posted a thread on the repair of my mufflers heat shield for a 1988 560SL. I got several replies including tips on various stainless steels, welding techniques and pop rivets ect. I also had one guy who offered to sell me some aircraft exhaust insulation material. Unfortunatly I had to go to Germany and never got a chance to follow up on the purchase or any advice. Now that I am back I have tried to research my posts but it seams that all of my posts of late September and early October are not there. Please if you have any advice or material sources repost them.

I need to purchase thermal insulation material and stainless steel.

Thank You
John Roncallo

[Ralph69220d]

This may not be a helpful response, but I saw no responses, so thought I'd add an initial thought. Stainless is a good relfector of heat, but also conducts heat well, resulting in re-radiation of heat from the back side, as well as the convective heat component resulting from the heating of air on the back side of the shield. One thought is shaping and orienting the stainless heat shield in such a manner as to maximize removal of heat by the natural movement beneath the chassis while in motion. Another thought: there are silicone cartridges (generally pint size) which are stable to temperatures somewhat above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These silicone sealants (their usual use) are poor conductors of heat, hence, good insulators. Additionaly they adhere to stainless very well. Perhaps, emptying a few tubes on first the side closest to the catalytic converter, them roughtly smoothing with a blade would help greatly. Secondly repeat the treatment on the back side of the stainless. I would think a larger air gap between the cat converter and heat shield (with orientation to encourage cool air movement while the care is in motion) is advisable. The attachment of the heat shield I can't make a guess at, though I see no reason to make neat and pretty the primary concern. Stability of the attachment. Hope this doesn't come off as too flaky; though I think the use of silicone sealant as an insulator in combination with maximizing air flow across the shield are ideas to keep int mind.
Ralph

[Kebowers]

I'm the guy with a 100' roll of 30" wide aircraft exhaust pipe & firewall insulation material. aluminized, fireproof, flexible,but stiff fabric.Wrap the pipes/cat muffler. Shield bottom of cat muffler with aluminum flashing (18guage)

Tell me how much you need $5/running foot +shipping.

kebowers47@hotmail.com