it is (was) there! On mine ('81 AC)  you can see where it is rusted off.

Karl.

On 3/3/08, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi.
>
> I know the WBX has that shield. Pretty sure cooled Vanagons (like
> mine) don't have it. I think the engine "tin" above exhaust also
> provides protection against exhaust heat.
>
> I'm thinking the seal that goes around the engine tin, *was* the
> culprit. When I got the van, that seal had been patched in places and
> was failing. I replaced it shortly after buying the van.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Neil.
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 11:29 AM, Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > there is supposed to be a heat shield above the muffler. Mine was (is
> still)
> > missing. Do you still have yours?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 3/3/08, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > Hi Ken.
> > >
> > > Nope. No cat.
> > >
> > > I don't know what caused it. FWIW,  the section of wires in question,
> > > was above the oil filler. It was secured properly.
> > >
> > > It looks like long term wear, as the cover around the wires was hard
> > > in that section and felt crackly. This is why I had a closer look. I
> > > don't think it was subjected to a sudden "blast" of heat.
> > >
> > > Maybe just heat from the engine over time?
> > >
> > > Ah I remember now.
> > >
> > > The perimeter seal that goes around the engine tin, was hinky when I
> > > bought it. I replaced it soon after buying the van. Maybe heat was
> > > leaking up from exhaust and hitting that section of wires.
> > >
> > > Hmmmm........
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Neil.
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 9:23 AM, Ken Lewis <kdlewis@northstate.net>
> wrote:
> > > > Neil,
> > > >  What do you think caused it? Was it above the catalytic converter?
> > > >  Ken Lewis
> > > >  http://neksiwel.20m.com/
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >  ----- Original Message -----
> > > >  > Hi all.
> > > >  >
> > > >  > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/rearwiring
> > > >  >
> > > >  > Like the page says. I repaired mine with solder, shrink tube,
> tape,
> > > >  > tape and cover.
> > > >  >
> > > >  > No big deal. I'm sure others have seen it before, but thought I'd
> > post
> > > >  > for those who haven't inspected the wiring in their engine bay.
> > > >  >
> > > >  > Cheers,
> > > >  >
> > > >  > Neil.
> > > >  >
> > > >  > --
> > > >  > Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
> > > >  >
> > > >  > http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> > > >  > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> > > >  >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
> > >
> > > http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> > > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Karl
> > 1981 VW Westy "Jenny"
> > 2000 VW Jetta GLS VR6
> > Wilmington, DE
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
>
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>

--
Karl
1981 VW Westy "Jenny"
2000 VW Jetta GLS VR6
Wilmington, DE