Curious rust with pics

[jezza16v]

Hi all. We have the engine out for a general clean up & refurb and found this rust on the bukhead, seems odd and can't see why it would rust here as there are no water traps and I shouldn't think it gets very wet here. Anyone seen this before or got any ideas as to what might have caused it? Thanks 

[The Mighty Elvi]

Judging by the distance between the pairs of holes, all being the same distance apart, I would surmise that they have been drilled at some time.

God knows why though.

[jezza16v]

I see what you mean but its deffo rust, the holes are only so neat because I poked a screwdriver through them. There were no holes til I wire brushed & scraped it back.

[mk2bal]

it might be the fact theres no heat shield there? exhaust melting the paint n heating the metal? i hope not though, ive just done a 16v conversion n didnt bother with any of the shielding.sh!t

[Mr Blue]

does the heater matrix live behind that area?

[jezza16v]

I think it does, you could be on to something there...........

[X4MGS]

Heater Matrix in all encased in a plastic housing isin't??

Been out to look at my F reg 8V which is bog standard and it seems to have the same area of rust behind the DP on the bulkhead...

Guess it couls be a new point to add to the "to Check Area" before buying one...

[jezza16v]

Heater Matrix in all encased in a plastic housing isin't??

Yes, you're right, so I doubt it could be that. BTW there's no ally heat shield on this pre 89 8v model, my 91 8v has the ally heatshield to cover the brake pipes. Was this heat shield a later addition or has it just been robbed from this pre 89 one one?

[Thom89]

I would say that someone scratched the paint years ago, heavy handedly fitting an exhaust....
Thom

[Wayne]

As above or sometime in the past it has had a water leak.

Missing heatshield will not be helping.