I recently got back my 66 FHC from a restoration and there is a massive amount of very hot air buildup coming from under the steering wheel which I can also feel in front of the center instruments and toggle switch area after about a half hour of driving at speed. The amount of heat is far above what even a hot car experiences and far above what I had in another similar E-type FHC I owned previously. The car has a great deal of Dynamat Extreme on the firewall and transmission tunnel, which can be seen in a picture I am attaching. The heat flow definitely increases with speed and becomes noticeable only after a half hour or more at highway speeds. All the while, the engine is running at normal temperature. We have checked to see that the heater flaps are closed and there are no missing grommets in the firewall. There are no lower metal shields below the battery/heater area, which one Jag mechanic has suggested could result in the tires creating a ram-like effect on the lower heater flap at speed causing hot header air to come in this way. We will put them on next week. What do forum members suggest we look at next?
Submitted by NE40-48370 on Sun, 09/05/2010 - 17:14
Hello Jim. In order, I would do the following and check for improvement:
a) Check the match between the bonnet duct and the heater box and that the foam seal makes good all round contact. Ditto foam seal around heater box to firewall.
b) Fit the under shields.
c) If no improvement, tape over the flap hole under the heater box as a temporary check
d) If you do actually have headers and c) helped, wrap them.
e) Drive everywhere in reverse.
Pete