It was indeed the heat shield. He gave it a solid kick and off it flew, and I was sent on my way. That's the second time he's taken care of something minor for me and not charged me anything.
I'm beginning to wonder, though, if my car doesn't need some sort of undercoating. The heat shield was rusted out, as was the B-Pipe and the muffler before that. I bought the car before moving from Texas, where we don't have snow and salt to contend with. The car is paid off and I'd planned on keeping it for at least a few more years, so it might be worth looking into.
Thanks to Russell for the book recommendation. I've heard good things about it from others and will look further into picking up a copy.
I celebrated my free auto repair work by buying some Olay lotion I've been wanting. It's their expensive line and I was waiting for a sale, but I had a $1 off coupon and figured what the heck.
The dog is happy to have me home early.
it pays to know a good mechanic
October 27th, 2005 at 04:57 pm
October 27th, 2005 at 07:04 pm 1130439852
Glad to hear its fixed. The heat sheild is there to keep the inside temp down because the catalytic converters get red-hot. On some cars they also provide protection to brake and fuel lines from extreme temperatures if they're routed near the catalytic convertors. However, if this sheild was above the muffler or muffler pipes its probably not needed. I'd double check with your mechanic to be sure...they're usually pretty inexpensive.
Unfortunately, I couldn't advise you about the rust protection undercoatings since I've never lived in a snowbelt. However, mufflers etc will rust over time, I don't think there's any avoiding it but do check with your mechanic since he operates there - goodluck.
April 20th, 2006 at 08:51 pm 1145566318