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Wed May 12, 2010 9:55 am

so i searched engine hatch foam, cause mine is disintegratin' and leavin little foamy bits all over my semi clean engine. it looks like the foam is permanently bonded to the hatch. any solutions??

Wed May 12, 2010 10:59 am

Buy another hatch with better foam. They're cheap and plentiful.

Wed May 12, 2010 11:08 am

I think some people have used Second Skin Motor Mat for this spot.

It's a super thick sound dampener. I'd give them a call and ask which of their products they would recommend.

http://www.secondskinaudio.com/thermal-insulation/motor-mat.php

From their website:
"Motor Mat is a high thermal acoustic barrier made of acoustic grade open celled foam treated with aluminum an facing reinforced with fiberglass cross-threads.
Motor Mat is designed to reflect radiant heat from the engine, transmission and exhaust while dissipating airborne sound waves. Apply Motor Mat to the engine side of the firewall or hood to reflect heat and noise away from the cabin of the car and reduce engine noise inside the vehicle.

For best results Motor Mat should be applied on top of a vibration damper such as Damplifier, Damplifier Pro or Spectrum."

Wed May 12, 2010 12:23 pm

Are you talking about the heating insulation thats attached to the bottom side of the engine hatch? Its held in place by a few wire clips. Thats how it is on the 82 aircooled model....anyway I second climberjohns idea on contacting secondskin as they have a product especially for that purpose.

Its got a fireproof felt type material thats sandwiched in between two pieces of foil. Works great, cuts down on engine sound, keeps the engine hatch lid nice and cool and doesn't cost very much.

Wed May 12, 2010 12:40 pm

A fella on the Diesel Vanagon list used a welders blanket. Perfect IMHO.

Wed May 12, 2010 1:45 pm

for about 13 bucks you can buy a 3/4" thick foam topper pad from a foam and fabric supply with a couple of 8.00 cans of high heat spray glue. replace the foam and coat the down side with the glue. that makes it easier to clean later. it will be more than you had.

Wed May 12, 2010 3:02 pm

I'd be interested in learning more about this replacement. I do not have a sense of smell and I am petrified of fire and of course the scent less MO. My dog rides the back.

Wed May 12, 2010 4:26 pm

The foam on the underside of the engine cover on my '87 is bonded to the cover and has a chicken wire type mesh embedded in it. I do not see how it would readily be replaced. I'd look for a used one in good condition.

I wouldn't use any type of foam on it as a replacement unless it was not flammable. :shock:

Thu May 13, 2010 3:02 pm

I checked out Welder's Blankets today at Auto Princess which has very reasonable prices. $99.00 for 6 feet by 6 feet. :!: I guess if I cut it into appropriate sizes, I could recoup the cost but got lots to do. Wish they had smaller tho.

Question is a truck liner, fire proof? They had those on sale.

Thu May 13, 2010 3:06 pm

Californio wrote: Buy another hatch with better foam. They're cheap and plentiful.

Where at? :?

Thu May 13, 2010 3:13 pm

There are several listed in the classifieds here. I have an extra too that is for sale. If you list a wanted ad, you might find one close to you and save shipping.

Thu May 13, 2010 10:15 pm

there is a space blanket by coleman camp equipment that you can glue over the new foam--sports/hiking supply stores-comes in a little green zip baggie. good emergency equipment to pack along too.
looks like heavy mirror window tint--you can supposedly evade an infrared scan wrapped in one of these.
It's just for ease of cleaning--nothing is going to ignite outside the cylinders if we all updated our fuel systems.

Thu May 13, 2010 10:29 pm

a radiative heat shield will not do much

Fri May 14, 2010 10:14 am

I put replacement foam on the outside of the hatch, not on the inside, as both heat and noise insulation. It's a thick (about 3/8th-inch or so), closed cell foam that comes in interlocking 2x2-foot squares ($10 for six of them at PepBoys - I used 5) that are designed as "non-slip, anti-fatigue" floor mats for your shop.

It trims easily with a box knife or a hefty pair of scissors. I covered the entire surface of the engine hatch area and under the cabinets.

I taped the joints on the back with Gorilla Tape. I've never measured a temperature difference back there to compare with or without the insulation, but I do think it keeps the van quieter, plus I think it protects the rear cushion a bit better.

I may use the leftover one (plus scrap from the ones I cut) to line the bottom of drawers and shelves to cut down on the rattle factor. You could probable make them into decent floor mat, too.

Fri May 14, 2010 10:16 am

Does anyone know the actual purpose of the foam insulation? Sound or heat? Does the plastic lid need to be protected from engine heat or are they drying to keep heat out of the interior?

Fri May 14, 2010 10:20 am

MootPoint wrote: I put replacement foam on the outside of the hatch, not on the inside, as both heat and noise insulation. It's a thick (about 3/8th-inch or so), closed cell foam that comes in interlocking 2x2-foot squares ($10 for six of them at PepBoys - I used 5) that are designed as "non-slip, anti-fatigue" floor mats for your shop.

It trims easily with a box knife or a hefty pair of scissors. I covered the entire surface of the engine hatch area and under the cabinets.

I taped the joints on the back with Gorilla Tape. I've never measured a temperature difference back there to compare with or without the insulation, but I do think it keeps the van quieter, plus I think it protects the rear cushion a bit better.

I like that idea. I think I'll give it a try.

Fri May 14, 2010 11:18 am

Mr Moot,

Yep, that's a fine idea, I need to do that too.
Thanks for sharing this clever idea!

edit: I just did this. Easy, fast, cheap van enhancement. I had already laid some Raamat sound dampener on the top of the engine compartment. A slight problem with this stuff is the gooey asphalt like adhesive. If left uncovered, it will stick like nasty tar onto your cushion. I covered the Raamat seams with silver tape, and now have the nice foam over that. Gorilla tape is needed over the seams on the bottom side.

I bought mine from Harbor Freight. About $8-9. Very little wastage of foam; one package does the engine compartment nicely.

link:
4 Piece Anti-Fatigue Foam Mat Set
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94635

-CJ

Fri May 14, 2010 3:00 pm

I don't know but I think the under cover foam may be to inhibit fire into the back. I don't know tho. As for sound I can't think that foam only under the cover would affect the rest of the back including the back of the seat. Anyone :?:

Sat May 15, 2010 8:38 am

consensus seems to be replacement. mine is the bonded chicken wire type mentioned above. i wonder how many used ones will be better then mine

Sat May 15, 2010 4:34 pm

Leftovers!

I had enough left over from back to do the kitchen cabinet shelves, the floor of the breakerbox cabinet and, with a little cut and paste, the floor of the closet over the engine compartment. Not enough for the two water tank doors but hey, for $10 I may just go buy another package of them and do those hatches, the overhead cabinet, and the tray behind the OH cabinet.

I don't know if it will really keep things quieter but it was a fun, quick project to do with the van!