subject: Extending Engine Component Life With Heat Wraps [print this page] High performance engines produce a serious amount of heat. The primary contributors of engine compartment heat are exhaust manifolds and headers. Dependable heat wraps now exist which can help to restrict this heat and protect other engine components from premature failure.
There are two common kinds of heat wrap rolls available to automotive enthusiasts for use on their exhaust manifolds and headers. The most affordable heat wrap is designed from glass fiber and has the lowest thermal temperature control ratings. The most popular heat wrap rolls installed are made from pulverized lava rock and are superior to wraps manufactured with glass fiber.
The ease of installing heat wrap rolls does differ with each product type. Normally speaking, heat wraps manufactured with pulverized lava are better equipped to handle the complex bends that are often found on exhaust manifolds and headers. Glass fiber heat wrap rolls usually are applied while being wet, which helps to make the material more flexible for installation. Glass fiber wraps must also have a silicone coating sprayed on the finished wrap for protection from dirt and grime. Pulverized lava heat wraps don't require a silicone spray coating at all.
For maximum thermal protection, heat wrap rolls must be installed using a quarter of an inch overlap. A greater overlap could cause too much heat to be retained and create the environment for early failure of exhaust manifolds or headers. All heat wraps should be properly secured with high temperature stainless steel straps at the start and end of each wrap.
After a vehicle is started, after the installation of heat wraps, it is common for the heat wraps to smoke as the engine comes up to full operating temperature. This is common and usually ends after an hour or two of use. During this period of time it is a good idea to roll up the windows and close any vents in the vehicle.
The maximum under hood temperature drop realized from a properly wrapped set of exhaust manifolds or headers is around 50%. Those wanting to achieve the maximum reduction in heat typically will benefit most from heat wraps designed from pulverized lava rock.
Expensive engine components can be provided additional protection from heat by using component specific wraps and blankets. Components which can benefit from additional thermal protection include turbos, batteries and starters. Combined with exhaust heat wraps, these components will enjoy a longer life because of reduced heat exposure.
Other applications can also benefit from the use of heat wrap. Wherever heat exposure must be limited, heat wrap and related products are readily available. Heat wraps are even used to shield humans from exposure to heat, especially in industries which transport extremely hot liquids and gases through piping.
