Scorched cowling

[Jack46]

I just bought an '88 J and during the pre-buy inspection, we noted the lower right cowling was scorched near the right exhaust pipes. There was no reflective or protective material between the exhaust and the cowling.

Have any other "J" owners noticed this?

Is it a concern?

What solution/s would you recommend?

 

[markejackson02]

There should be a heat shield in place there.  My original wore out, got replacement material from Spruce, about 12x12 and put it back in with contact cement.

[M20S Driver]

An incorrectly installed exhaust clamp (rotated) will do that too if the burn is localized to where the clamp is installed.  I repaired my Eagle cowling for this but your J may be different.

[KSMooniac]

My early J doesn't have a heat shield, or evidence of burning.  

[jetdriven]

Mine was cooked on both sides near the exhaust pipes, and in the rear center where the muffler is. The resin was mostly gone and you could punch a screwdriver through the cowl.  The paint was spiderwebbed because of the flexing going on. I ended up rebuilding all the glass there and putting a reflective heat shield. On the inside of the cowl. 

Edited February 23, 2016 by jetdriven