Melted Plastic Gas Tank Shield

[bhartman]

My wife just got the Cobra back from the Ford dealer today and they failed my PA State Safety Inspection. :huh:

They said the reason was that my aftermarket Steeda exhaust had melted the plastic gas tank shield and that there was a danger of the gas tank exploding.

I have not had a chance to personally talk to the Ford Service Rep. (I'm out of the country.)

Has anyone heard or experienced this?

I'm thinking that maybe when I had the exhaust installed, that it was hung too close to the gas tank?

I'm hoping that I can just have Ford replace this plastic shield and then rehang the exhaust lower?

Or maybe my recent visit to Watkins Glen just got the exhaust too hot? This possible scenario kinda confuses me, because last year the Cobra passed inspection after Shenandoah (Summit Point).

[stangluvr]

On the right side my exhaust melted my gas tank platic shield as well. My car has not exploded yet though. :D I have MagnaFlow cat backs. I am pretty sure I just need to readjust the pipes to get it to clear, but I have not done so as of yet. Let me know what it cost to have it taken care of at the dealer. I'm curious..

[gcassidy]

Bruce, my sheild is melted in one area from welding my MagnaFlow around the panhard rod. But we only get inspected here in MD when the car is bought. I'd contact Steeda and ask if this has happened before. Or I could take over ownership of your car, register it here, and that would solve all your problems.
:bash:

[Sonic Cobra]

I'm not due for inspection till next year. Will have take a look at mine on saturday.

[vger]

No inspections here in Michigan.. But I think I would fix the melted part.

[bhartman]

I'm waiting for Ford to get me a quote to replace the shield. Then I plan on dropping the pipes and wrapping them in mandifold heat tape.

"Flexible protection from heat damage.
These flexible clamp-on pipe heat shields from Thermo-Tec block over 98 percent of the damaging radiant heat of the exhaust. The high-tech composite construction of the heat shields provides the ultimate in protection. Available in 1, 2, and 3 ft. lengths, these clamp-on pipe heat shields use Thermo-Tec's proprietary coating technology, come complete with all clamps, and install in minutes."

I also saw some adhesive heat shield sheets on the Summit web site and may try to cover the plastic sheild with that.

"Protects parts and components from radiant heat.
Thermo-Tec Adhesive Backed Heat Barriers protect parts and components from radiant heat. They can be used in applications to protect painted surfaces, plastic parts or any component from the damaging effects of radiant heat. These aluminized Heat Barriers are made up of woven silica with a flexible aluminized finish. The highly reflective surface of the material is capable of withstanding radiant temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees F.
The adhesive backed composite construction material can easily be applied to any surface or wrapped around a hose or wire to make a clean professional appearance."

[gcassidy]

Remember the heat tape I had to wrap around my rear pipe at Summit Point last year when the mount loosened and the pipe was rotating up and melting the bodywork? Probably not, you had your overheating issues to deal with. The tape helped, and might be sufficient for your instance.

[bhartman]

Remember the heat tape I had to wrap around my rear pipe at Summit Point last year when the mount loosened and the pipe was rotating up and melting the bodywork? Probably not, you had your overheating issues to deal with. The tape helped, and might be sufficient for your instance.

Greg,

Sounds encouraging. Thanks! :tmb:

[gcassidy]

I see your new avitar has the "Blue Monster" from the Glen. Cool. :cool:

[bhartman]

I see your new avitar has the "Blue Monster" from the Glen. Cool. :cool:

I'm VERY PROUD that I didn't get personal with the "Blue Monster". :bna

See you in August there? Just knod your head and say "Yes". ;)

[bhartman]

Got a quote from the Ford Dealer: $185 Parts & Labor.

[gcassidy]

How's it attached? You should be able to install it, unless you need it done before you get back.

[NJStangFan]

They said the reason was that my aftermarket Steeda exhaust had melted the plastic gas tank shield and that there was a danger of the gas tank exploding.

You sure that you didn't run over any kind of critter?

http://www.quietcity.org/img/pix/desktops/squirrel.jpg

[bhartman]

How's it attached? You should be able to install it, unless you need it done before you get back.

Unfortunately, I need it done before I return, as well as to pass the PA State Safety Inspection, due in June.

[gcassidy]

You sure that you didn't run over any kind of critter?

http://www.quietcity.org/img/pix/desktops/squirrel.jpg
http://www.roadkillrugs.com/

[bhartman]

Jamie,

By any chance, does that Critter drive a Lightning?

:hehe: