K-series alternator heatshield workaround
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2026 11:01 am
I recently cured a battery drain problem on my R3 vi by changing the alternator. It was a NOS unit fitted 3 years ago when I added aircon to the car. This moves the alternator 'up one', sitting it rather close to the exhaust manifold.
Unsure whether it was it was just a duff alternator or if it had been affected by the radiated heat from the exhaust, I decided to finally add a heatshield, which I had not done before due to the part being NLA for a VVC engine - they are still available for non-VVC engines.
I employed the full benefits of CAE - Cardboard-Aided Engineering
Firstly, with a rough installation...
...moving through a better resolved sample...
before making one out of a piece of 'gutter-find' heatshield material
Which was fitted when the original alternator was put back in the car. I think it fits in quite well
I would consider bringing blanks to the Resto Show in March and making them up during the show, if other people would like one - small charity donation appreciated
Please let me know
Unsure whether it was it was just a duff alternator or if it had been affected by the radiated heat from the exhaust, I decided to finally add a heatshield, which I had not done before due to the part being NLA for a VVC engine - they are still available for non-VVC engines.
I employed the full benefits of CAE - Cardboard-Aided Engineering
Firstly, with a rough installation...
...moving through a better resolved sample...
before making one out of a piece of 'gutter-find' heatshield material
Which was fitted when the original alternator was put back in the car. I think it fits in quite well
I would consider bringing blanks to the Resto Show in March and making them up during the show, if other people would like one - small charity donation appreciated
Please let me know