Cat convertor heat shield

the upper heat shield (the one attached to the converter on top) on my cat converter had become loose, and had been rattling for over 2 years. My tech advised me to remove it - said it would cause no harm, since there was another heat shield on top (about 4-5 inches away) anyway. Shall I just get it removed, or is there a replacement that comes that I can get installed (just the upper heat shield). Would it cause any heat damage without this shield?

Thanks a ton. The car is a 85 190E 2.3.

Anyone faced this problem before?

i removed the heatshield on my 92 500sl, no more rattle you do not need the shield sven.

[Bazzman]

I did exactly that on my W124 '94.
The MB shop wanted £1000 for a new cat, but my local shop said that it was only the heat shield rattling, so take it off.
I did, and it's done 20,000 miles with no problems.Saved a grand.
My wife wanted to spend the money I saved though.

[ke6dcj]

If the heat-shield is rattling it is NOT properly secured. I had mine secured and no more rattling.

The heat generated is substantial esp. if idling in traffic or if you have to a Dyno run for emissions testing or just fun.

If you can, I would keep the heat-shield, esp. if it only needs either more screws or bigger screws, or a little tack weld.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Thanks, guys. I'll just get the heat shield replaced. Its a dealer item, I believe about 30 bucks, and should be much trouble screwing it on.

BTW, MB DOC, Benzmac, what's your take on the heat shield issue? How much damage can it cause, and where, if the heat shield is missing? Is there a second heat shield (so the system is overdesigned)?

thanks.