2002-Accent heat protector plate falling off.

This small plate on the front of the engine surrounding the oxygen sensor
has started to rattle and is threatening to fall off due to the rust
occurring around the bolt holes holding it on. I have tried to remove the
bolts but they are seized on pretty good, so I asked the dealer what might
be done about this and his response was that it could take a few hours.
So, at $80 cdn an hour that would be around $240. Has anyone had this
happen? I'm wondering if I can just rig it in place somehow.

 

It sounds like you're describing the manifold heat shield. If it comes
off, the heat could damage nearby components (but obviously not the oxygen
sensor because it's already screwed into the manifold).

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is the heat shield. Any suggestions as to
how to get this off myself or would I be better off letting the dealer do
it. I have heard that some penetrating oil that is allowed to work for a
while may help loosen things up so that I can at least get the bolts of to
replace the shield. Thoughts?

 

You can try penetrating oil, but it's unlikely it'll be able to get under
the bolts far enough to help lubricate the threads. It can't hurt,
though.

The bolts are usually pretty tight after the rust sets in. You can try to
remove them with a ratchet, reasonably long extension, and a *6-point* 12mm
socket. If they break loose, they'll probably unscrew easily after that.
If they just plain break, that's a problem. It'll make it pretty near
impossible to install a new heat shield (or keep it from rattling if not
all of them break).

 

Thanks for the input, I guess I will have to pay the piper ..errr uhmmm ..
the dealer.

John.

 

Just to be clear, if you're fairly experienced with automotive work, the
chances of broken bolts will be about the same with you as they are with a
professional.

 

I'm not sure if it'll work, but you can try getting some Kroil or PB blast and
see if that helps. Make sure you soak it every 15 minutes for about an hr or two
and let it sit overnight (without going anywhere in that car obviously). If this
doesn't work, then depending on what the shop will do (if there is room), is
that they'll use a acetylene torch to get the bolt to expand and contract a few
times and that should get the bolt off.

Also check to see if this may still be covered under warranty. On my sister's 99
Elantra the exhaust manifold was cracked and the part as well as the shield was
covered for free.

Nick