LX255 (LX2xx or GT3xx) Additional Exhaust Deflector (heat away from plastic front bumper)

[pgtr]

On my ~1998-ish LX255 (Kohler 15hp 1-cyl) I've had some problems with black soot on the front ride side of the frame and the inside of the right side of the plastic bumper. Over the years the bumper has cracked (possibly become brittle from heat cycling and shows signs of heat build up on the plastic.

I put a John Deere metal brush/bumper guard on many years ago and back then it did NOT come w/ a 'deflector' or 'diffuser'. Laster versions of the same John Deere metal bumper kit came bundled w/ an additional metal deflector that purportedly helped with the situation I'm experiencing to deflect exhaust away from inside of plastic bumper.

This thread from years ago expanded on it but the deflector kit is no longer available, though the individual parts may still be:

"Exhaust deflector kit AM132905 is no longer available. However, the individual parts seem to be good numbers: M148670 Muffler diffuser(qty 1), M148692 Heat deflector(qty 1), 37H2 screws(qty 3)."

What I'm confused by is whether this deflector kit is designed for a particular engine and muffler (e.g. a Kawasaki, Kohler, or Briggs, ...) or if it is designed for any LX (2xx) or GT (3xx) tractor from the era? E.g. does the deflector mount on the engine or muffler? Or does it mount directly to the frame somewhere near where the muffler exhausts?

I looked w/ hood up (didn't get underneath) but didn't really see any obvious place or way for a deflector to mount so far...

You can see in the lower left corner of this image of the original Deere bumper kit, what appears to be the deflector (or the diffuser?) and 3 screws

 

[beenthere]

Show some pics of your situation and concern, and likely some good fab suggestions will be forthcoming.

I'd be fabrication something for sure, if a similar situation.