Another 328 rattle- is this a safe fix?

I am aware of the usual places 328s rattle. I have one that was minor but now is getting almost intolerable. I believe it is the heat shield at the bottom front of engine and a black metal vertical plate just ahead of it. It doesnt occur until the car is warmed up. It will not occur at idle or when the engine is revved at rest. It is not rev dependent while in motion and will go away under hard acceleration. It will not go away when coasting. And does not vary with wheel speed. When the Ferrari mechanic said it was likely the heat shield he moved the black plate forward which helped briefly, but came back. When I do the same thing it helps sometimes but comes back too.

Any other thoughts?

I was thinking of stuffing a balled up piece of aluminum foil between the heat shield and the black vertical plate. IS THIS SAFE??? ie risk of fire or damage.

The Ferrari mechanic said the fix would be to tack weld the shield, but I dont want to take it there just for that, but it sure is bothering me.


Thanks,

Dan

 

tbakowsky,

I know of one way that is not appropriate for me- taking hose clamps and crushing the heat shield- car too original for that. Is this what you mean?

What I really need to know is the aluminum foil a safe temporary fix?

 

Thanks so much Tom.

I dont think I would do it that way either. From what you said though, it sounds like the source of the rattle is the heat shield hitting the exhaust tube/header, right? Also, is it right to assume the exterior of the shield isnt so hot as to melt the aluminum foil?

Dan

 

Thanks so much guys. I have already stuffed the foil and now the heat shield will not move around. When it stops raining I'll test it out. Hi Lens, I am sorry I havent run into this situation- I bet if you take down the light cover or buton covers you might find the fasteners to adjust- they had to get it up there somehow!!