Heat shield for muffler
 

I have a 1990 Civic DX hatchback with no modifications. It has about 240,000 km.I'm replacing the muffler myself. The old, rusted-out muffler had a heat shieldwelded on top. The new muffler does not have a heat shield on it. However in my oem repair manual, the diagram specifies a "fuel tank heat shield" to be in place above the muffler.

Do I really need this heat shield? If so, do I need to go directly to Honda to get one? Or can I get one somewhere else?

Many thanks!

Terry

RE: Heat shield for muffler
 

do you know how to weld? I would just get some sheet metal and make one myself. No sense in getting bent over by the dealer on something so basic

RE: Heat shield for muffler
 

Unfortunately I do not know how to weld, nor do I have any welding equipment.

Also, a heat shield seems to be not necessary on my model of civic. After driving for 15 minutes in the city, the muffler is not very hot. I can put my hand on it quite easily with no burns. But I want to sure, and I was hoping someone might say whether it was necessary or not from their experience.

RE: Heat shield for muffler
 

you're right, i don't believe the muffler would generate enough heat to really warrant the shield, but i can't be 100 percent sure.