This is the left underbonnet area of my 2005 Zetec black top 4/4 - showing the Librands 4-2-1 s/s manifold. It is very close to the coolant hoses tubing and metal pipes, which are all on the left. I guess this might be the cause of my problem, rather than inefficiency of the radiator itself, as the hoses and tubing will all gain heat from the manifold.

I guess I could

(1) heat wrap the exhaust

(2) use some heat protection on the rubber/silcone hoses and the metal pipes - if so, what?

AND/OR
(3) The original Ford manifold was very restrictive but had a large heat shield over it. I suppose it would also be possible to fabricate an aluminium shield covered in heat shield material, to lie between the manifold and the coolant pipes. There are two (?M6) threaded points on the head that could be used to fix it in place.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks Nigel

Last edited by nputtick; 18/08/13 07:56 PM.