What is this part?

[Petersson23]

Hello everyone, have FIAT STILO 1.6V, 2003. Can someone please tell me what is the part on the picture? I found a crack in it so I am wondering how serious the whole thing is. Please excuse the low quality of the pictures. Thank you.

https://www.fiatforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202143&stc=1&d=1565636092

https://www.fiatforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202144&stc=1&d=1565636171

https://www.fiatforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202145&stc=1&d=1565636310

 

[Ralf S.]

That looks like the heat shield over the exhaust manifold.

(Does the 1.6 have a rear facing exhaust manifold?)

No worries if it just has a crack in it, as long as the crack is not near the mounting points, otherwise the mounting point can split and the head shield can rattle (cue many "my car is making a strange rattling type noise" posts).

The heatshield just keeps heat away from the other components, so you need to have one really... but as long as it's there, the actual condition isn't critical (so it will still work with the odd dent or hole in it).


Ralf S.

 

[Mytheroo]

yrp, as Ralph says its the exhaust downpipe heatshield.

I think it's secured by 3 bolts, and at least one is a right bugger to get to. If it is rattling, but not extremely loose, I'd try bending it so the rattling bit no longer is near enough to the thing it's rattling against. If loose you might need to locate the bolts and check them. Normally the bolt is fine but the shield is cracked away. Sometimes a big washer will work to tame it.

 

[Petersson23]

Ralf and Mytheroo, thank you so much for your thorough answers and all the tips and suggestions, much appreciated! This car is fine when it is working, but otherwise it can give one lot of headaches