TheSamba.com :: View topic - engine seal above headers hard due to heat.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:41 pm

Just wondering if anybody else has this problem. My engine seal where the header is has hardened due to the header heat. Doesnt seem to matter what header I use, there is no clearance between the header and the apron. Primary reason why the rubber is cooked. Anyone have a solution for this? Search revealed 1 page of non relevant issues. Right now I have hose clamps around some of the header pips to squeeze them together which helps pull them away from the apron but not much.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:05 pm

Header wrap.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:21 pm

Yeah thats one option. My header actually rubs the apron as do they all. Typical? Maybe header wrap and cut a slit in the top two pipes and bend them down. I thought of header wrap but figured the apron would rub it right off.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:38 pm

Header wrap is pretty substantial stuff, and the thickness can be varied by the tightness (distance between your loops) of the wrap. Some people like it, some don't. I just thought it would work for your problem. Reconfigure the header if you want with cutting the slits and re-weld, then wrap.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 3:07 pm

Well it probably would work, if I can get more clearance. Ive already burnt the shit out of my arms leaning on the apron when I forgot about hot aprons. Welding skills arent the greatist.... yet. Welding around a pipe has got to be the most difficult part for me. Yet the exhaust pro people can do it flawlessly

Sat Jul 02, 2011 3:12 pm

Ok why dont some people like header wrap. Never actually used the stuff so I dont know how its secured plus pros and cons. Seems like you wrap pipes, heat drops, your done. Do they hold in moisture?

Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:04 am

hey quartermile, I recently installed header tape on my bus. Same as you I could not touch rear apron, now the apron is much cooler.. As far as moisture goes I only drive on nice days and it is garaged. But a difference in heat on apron, priceless :wink:

Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:26 am

quartermilecamel wrote: Ok why dont some people like header wrap. Never actually used the stuff so I dont know how its secured plus pros and cons. Seems like you wrap pipes, heat drops, your done. Do they hold in moisture?

You wrap it on and then use clips.hose clamps at the ends to secure it, It can act as a wet rag against the tube and rot pipe away were quickly.
I have seen some spray on products that seal it up.

http://www.aerostich.com/prevent-or-repair/mainten...-seal.html

:D

Sun Jul 03, 2011 9:34 am

Can hold moisture, oil, etc. Secures with clamps usually included. Haven't looked at any of it for awhile so I am unaware of any new products/development in the header wrap area.

Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:10 pm

Will think about that. Or, come up with the same design as heat shields under catalytic converters.

Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:18 pm

I don't understand how a cloth wrap around your hot exhaust is going to hold moisture? Wouldn't it dry off very quickly if splashed with water while driving? And if you're not driving, it shouldn't get wet because it's under the bus?

Sun Jul 03, 2011 3:52 pm

I would contend it's not a "cloth wrap". It may be part cloth, but if it was only cloth, I would propose it would burn away. It is some sort of treated wrap that for whatever reason does hold moisture/condensation/etc. It won't be holding moisture on the hot exhaust but on the cooling/cool exhaust. Regardless, I would not let that keep me from wrapping those areas of issue given the OP's set of problems.

Mon Jul 04, 2011 2:12 am

RPGreg2600 wrote: I don't understand how a cloth wrap around your hot exhaust is going to hold moisture? Wouldn't it dry off very quickly if splashed with water while driving? And if you're not driving, it shouldn't get wet because it's under the bus?

Its not from water, its condensation from moisture in the air that get sucked in overnight. You know like a morning dew

Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:35 pm

Yep, same way water spits out the tail pipe when its first started in the morning. A glass full of ice water collects moisture on the outside.

Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:51 pm

I think Im going to see how much clearance I can get with the cut and weld. Right now there are two 3 inch long rub marks on the top pipe. Maybe a good half in inch will help. I know my engine seal would appreciate it.