Is it okay to drive without the exhaust manifold heat shield?

2010 CHEVROLET AVEO
76,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHEVYOWNER10
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My exhaust manifold heat shield was rattling so I just removed it. It rusted out and I wasn’t sure if it could be welded back on. Many shops say it’s not really necessary unless it’s underneath the car. Is it okay to drive without it under the hood? I have plenty of Ram air and the cooling fan is in the front to cool the exhaust manifold on hot days.

Would it hurt anything or catch on fire without it? I don’t have $50.00 to replace the shield. Doesn’t the manifold shields have to be welded on anyhow when they are new?
Apr 11, 2022 at 3:10 PM
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BORIS K
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Hello,

There should be no adverse effects running without a heat shield for a while.
The heatshield is bolted to the exhaust manifold, see image below. Yellow arrows point to bolt holes.

Also see exploded view, image 2. The heatshield is no. 3.

Cheers, Boris
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Apr 12, 2022 at 5:53 AM
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CHEVYOWNER10
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Thanks so much for it. I might just replace it. Does the newer shield have to be welded onto the exhaust pipe on the bottom of the shield? There were bolts on it before but it looked like it was welded on by the factory.
Apr 12, 2022 at 12:14 PM
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BORIS K
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Hello,

The heatshield is only bolted on as it needs to be removable for maintenance access.

Cheers, Boris
Apr 13, 2022 at 12:58 AM