My exhaust manifold heat shield has been rattling for some time. It had rusted out around 2 of the 3 bolts that hold it on. It's not too fun to be sitting at a red light in a rattling metro. I decided to remove it and put some washers on the bolts to hold it on. With just the slightest amount of pressure 2 of the bolts broke off. Do I have to fix this? Can I drive it without it? I really don't want to melt anything...:runaround:

hi doug,
there are a hundred fixes for the loose / removed shield ..... tapping new screws / bolts, baling wire, pop rivet a new piece of sheet metal to the remaining pieces, etc.. it will be better to have the shield in place but obviously it will live without it.

it's possible that they designed the shield to also retain heat in the manifold v protecting other nearby parts, since proper manifold temps are important to performance. the primary function i believe is to keep splashed water and cool air from hitting the hot manifold which could fatigue and crack it.

Wow! You still have the factory heat shield? I have yet to see a Metro that still has this rare piece intact ;)

You seriously don't need it. No risk for fire, just don't touch it when hot.

LOL! Yep it's there... Whats left of it... The top 2 bolts were the ones that broke. I just put some steel tile hanger wire through them and and twisted it tight in the back. Works great. I'll probably be back in a few days with a new issue. Thanks...