Drivers Side Radiant Heat?

[BpK9Miami]

In my Damon Outlaw (Model 3612) I have had an on-going problem with radiant heat down near the gas pedal area. Originally we (the dealer and I working together) found several areas where the manufactor had not sealed the wiring harness and cable access through the firewall. We sealed those with expanding foam and the air / heat flow was reduced considerably.

However, the heat issue remains in part, and it is enough to make it uncoomfortable after about 90 minutes of drive time. (the "up" side of course is that I use the cruise control much more often) A termal digital readout shows temps well over 100 degrees in the drivers footwell area.

I recently used a work light (at night) placed under the dash area and shining towards the firewall, then ducked under the hood to check for more light leakage (and hence, "holes") but found nothing. I checked the seals around the engine access panel and those too seem to be in good condition with no leaks.

The only other oddity in the drivers area is the amp for the stereo system, and although it puts out a tremendous amount of heat - truly hot to the touch - I can't imagine that this is the root cause of all the heat around the gas pedal which is located a good 18-22 inches away.

Does anyone have any ideas about anything, anything at all, that I can and should check to run down this little gremlin of mine?

Thanks for all the help in advance!

[Gary RVRoamer]

There does not need to be openings to transfer heat - it radiates quite nicely through the metal floor. Can you add heavy duty auto insulation, e.g. the stuff sold for under the hood of a car? Or at least a reflective (foil) barrier between the engine and that area?

That hot amp could also be enclosed in a foil reflective barrier to see if that helps. Probably have to leave some opening at the top so that it doesn't cook itself, though. Strange that it gets so hot - it must be a real boom box..

[ahicks]

What about installing something like a small computer fan to ventilate the area? If you suspect it's all radiant, just enough to circulate some air down there should work OK?