Transmission Tunnel HEAT

alex · Post by **alex** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:50 am

Hi Everyone,

I am the proud new owner of a '77 Spider, which I recently drove from Boston to New York in mid-90's heat. After about an hour on the road I noticed that the transmission tunnel was extremely hot, and that the metal ashtry was so hot it could have burned the skin. I have some experience witha '79 Spider, and the heat in that was a problem too. Do you know if this is normal, or or a sympton of something? My next step is to change the transmission oil, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this kind of thing.

Thanks.
Alex
'77 Spider

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:24 pm

Your exhaust runs along the tunnel too. I would check if the heat shields are still in place. Also, if the carpet was replaced, the heat pad may no longer be there.

Mark

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:02 pm

Hot enough to burn is not normal.

Excessive warmth, as compared to todays sports cars, would be a normal condition.

S'long as you have calculated and compensated for sunlight heat, then you have an issue that needs to be addressed.

Check tranny fluid level while you are underneath checking the exhaust heat shields. Also check the exhaust for leaks.

mctaco · Post by **mctaco** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:05 pm

I have this same problem with my 75 Spider. Heat is really noticeable under the console by the shifter, and from under the heat control levers. I suspect that I am missing the heat shield in the transmission tunnel.

What would I need to go about fixing this?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:52 pm

Before you do anything, remember that some amount of heat is normal. Higher than that which you might expect from a late model car, but still normal. Fiats are not known for their cool (temp) cockpits.

If driving faster does not work to solve the issue......then.....

First, make sure there is no exhaust leaks. Second, make sure all exhaust heat shields are in place. Third, remove center console and replace worn or missing padding with that aluminium covered sound deadener used for hoods. Be sure to install the aluminum side toward the tranny.

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 5:38 pm

You can also use the aluminum covered "bubble wrap" insulation under the carpet. It is a cheap and functional alternative. Find it at Lowes/Home Depot.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:10 pm

there should also be an inner shift boot in place that seals the hole around the shifter. It won't cool the floor or tunnel, but it'll keep hot air from blowing up around the shift boot