I have replaced my fuel lines twice on my 86 Westy Syncro over the 12 years
I have owned the van.  I removed the shielding after the first go about -
about a decade ago due to the brittleness of the shielding material.  I
have had no issues with the fuel lines and have had a number of vanagon
mechanics checking various mechanical ailments - none who have said
anything concerning about the exposed fuel hoses when they were working in
and around the engine compartment - this included a mechanical inspection
as well.

I know this is not conclusive or scientific- however it is my experience.

Bruce

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 6:55 PM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> sorry... *"**I'd think its heat shield...."* should be replaced by I would
> *NOT* think it's heat shield...
>