Engine Compartment Heat

[VLG 73]

I have noticed that the passenger side of the engine compartment seems to be quite a bit hotter than the driver's side. Car originally had air conditioning, but all of the parts have been removed. Anyone know why?

 

[1979toy]

If you have the stock rams horn manifolds check the heat riser valve and the connection between it and the header pipe. On my car I found the gasket was blocking half of the exhaust area below the heat riser valve.

 

[JohnZ]

What was used to block off and seal up the large and small holes for the original A/C unit? Was dash insulation used on the inside where the big holes were in the original dash insulation for the inside A/C box? The outside evaporator housing on the engine side was a great insulator as well - if it's gone too, that makes the dash panel even hotter on that side.

 

[VLG 73]

Thanks for your help. After going for even a short ride (15 minutes), you can barely keep your hand on the hood on the right-hand side -- also have problems starting the car when it is warm (think the starter is over-heating). I'll check the heat riser valve and see if that might be the problem.

 

[finadk]

If it is hard starting and very hot under the hood your timing may be too far advanced.
you may want t ocheck that out. I saw the same thing when breaking in the engine on my 76, I had the timing way off and that side was even hotter than the drivers side for some reason.
Scott

 

[Roy]

The catalitic converter was located under the passenger seat on my 1978 Vette and it certainly was a heat generator.

It helps to seal as many seams that you can on the firewall and floor. I have used a spray rubberized (not oil based ashault) undercoating to coat the entire engine bay enclosure as well as the passenger compartment under all the carpet and trim pieces. It has helped to control heat and noise transmission into the passenger cabin.

There is a thermal/accoustic blanket that is 36" by 48" that is great for reducing the transmition of heat and noise inot the passenger compartment. A roll costs $14. It is very similar to the fiberglass mat backed with aluminum foil that was originally installed in many Vettes. This new product is more dense and resilient and is easy to install. About 3 or 4 rolls and you will be more comfortable in your Vette. I buy mine at a store called "GI Joes" here in Oregon. Great stuff and won't mat down like the original fiberglass based product.

As info.

 

[Robin7TFour]

hello, loew's also makes a aluminum insulation mat. works good and it's easy to form...