Author Topic: Exhaust wrap  (Read 6725 times)

Offline JDM

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Exhaust wrap
« on: August 03, 2016, 05:24:30 AM »
Has anyone warped there headers, using heat tape? if so what are your thoughts. Did it help with the heat down around your lower legs?, did the engine temp. change, or did you see any other changes?
Thanks JD
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Offline Nosmo

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2016, 10:52:30 AM »
I haven't, but this question gets asked periodically.  Use the search function, type in "exhaust wrap" and you should see quite a few comments.  If you have already done that, then I'm sure you will get some replies soon.
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Offline JDM

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2016, 12:31:33 PM »
I haven't, but this question gets asked periodically.  Use the search function, type in "exhaust wrap" and you should see quite a few comments.  If you have already done that, then I'm sure you will get some replies soon.

I tried that and got almost nothing.
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Offline connie_rider

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #3 on: August 03, 2016, 02:40:31 PM »
I've wrapped the headers on 3 Connie's.
Did it mostly because I just like the looks of it and thought it would cool things a bit.
I do think it makes riding in Houston Traffic a bit more bearable.
But there was not a huge improvement.
Many feel the wrap causes corrosion of the pipes.
I have not noticed this, nor have I removed to wrap to look under it.
I do know the pipes themselves are an alloy of some type that is resistance to rust, so I don't think it is a problem.
The collector's/crossover are mild steel that rusts easily. Don't wrap them.

Ride safe, Ted




Offline Daytona_Mike

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2016, 06:17:50 PM »
doesnt help much and it does screw up the pipes..dont bother
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Offline MAN OF BLUES

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2016, 02:50:34 PM »
The issue is more about the wire used during the wrap process, which is usually not stainless steel, and even if you use stainless wire the area its tightened around sees higher temps, and moiture boils along those lines... eventually cracks form.

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Offline Summit670

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #6 on: August 04, 2016, 07:42:40 PM »
I wrapped mine a number of years ago.  It did seem to reduce amount of heat spewing from fairing vents onto my legs.  Especially noticeable when wearing shorts.  I know, dont ride in shorts.   

Putting the wrap on without removing radiator was more work than it was worth. 

Within a year or so I came across some articles discussing possible header damage due to the pipes getting hotter and possible ill effects on the stainless headers.

I removed the wrap and didnt see anything that alarmed me but the headers do have a surface pattern from the wrap.
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Offline connie_rider

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2016, 09:25:11 AM »
Quick story about possible effectiveness.  (I think this indicates the wrap did reduce the heat).
   I built a set of 4 into 1's with larger diameter head pipes.
   The new head pipe material is very thin walled compared to the stock head pipes.
   On initial installation, the heat from the larger head pipes melted the ends of the cooling fan.
      (NOTE: The larger head pipes are very close to the fan).

I removed the headers, and wrapped the head pipes. Installed a new fan and tried again.
  Fan didn't melt.

Some of the pipes I wrapped have been on the bikes for 10+ years.
  I agree that the wires could cause hot spots.
  I'll even agree that it could eventually hurt the head pipes.
   I personally have not had any failures.
NOTE: I used stainless safety wire.

Bottom line: I don't think there is any performance improve.
                   I do think it reduces heat slightly.
                   If you want to give it a try, go for it..

Ride safe, Ted

PS: I've removed the home made 4 into 1's and their hanging in the shop.
     Can look them over for damage if anyone's interested.

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #8 on: August 05, 2016, 10:50:49 AM »
Of course there is the option of sending them out and having them coated.....

Hi Ted!
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Offline connie_rider

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2016, 11:57:08 AM »
Nah, that's far to EZ.
I preferred to work for several frustrating hours doing the wrap.

How ya been RFH?

Ride safe, Ted

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2016, 12:12:12 PM »
Sorry guys off topic:

Keeping busy around the house and visiting Myrtle Beach and OBX with the Jeep a couple times.  I'm building a Ford 8.8 LS to replace the Jeep's D35 rear axle.  Got all the brackets final welded in place, just have to set backlash then install it.  Maybe in the fall.  Going from a 3.07 open to a 4.10 LS ratio.  I even bought the Mustang carbon fiber clutch packs for the LS.
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline connie_rider

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2016, 07:51:10 AM »
Mebbe you can wrap the differential, so it will be on topic.

What kind of motor do you have pushing that thing?

Ride safe, Ted

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2016, 08:01:58 AM »
Just the standard 4.0 inline 6.  Plenty enough torque, but I have read a few articles regarding superchargers....
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Offline GKreamer

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2016, 12:04:48 PM »
I'm no expert on this, but when I was working on my C10 I pulled the fiberglass wrap off the exhaust.  The PO had installed it and the wire was rusted and falling apart.  He had wrapped everything up to and including the crossover.  The entire exhaust that had been wrapped had a layer of rust- very fine on the header pipes but heavier on the crossover and clamp.  I cleaned up the pipes with a scotch brite pad and soaked the clamp and bolt in some RustAway (I think that is what it was called) and it actually did a pretty nice job cleaning it up.  The fiberglass wrap was damp only on the horizontal area, especially the crossover pipe.  I know that part of that was my fault for some coolant that spilled during disassembly.

Posted a question and was told that the headers are usually rust free and that wrapping is unneeded.

Offline T Cro ®

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2016, 04:17:08 AM »
... Posted a question and was told that the headers are usually rust free and that wrapping is unneeded.

And when has the word unnecessary ever stopped us from doing something?    :rotflmao:
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Offline Bergmen

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #15 on: August 09, 2016, 09:47:45 AM »
Of course there is the option of sending them out and having them coated.....

Hi Ted!

I had a brand new set of Concours headers ceramic coated inside and out (in satin black) by Performance Coatings in Auburn, Washington:



No reports on differences in felt heat, I just thought they looked cool:



Dan

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2016, 10:54:48 AM »
I think they OFFICIALLY do look cool.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #17 on: August 12, 2016, 04:18:23 AM »
And when has the word unnecessary ever stopped us from doing something?    :rotflmao:

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Offline O.C.

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #18 on: August 16, 2016, 01:35:01 AM »
+2
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Offline timmerz

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Re: Exhaust wrap
« Reply #19 on: September 07, 2016, 11:45:06 AM »
I think they OFFICIALLY do look cool.

Ohellyeah....