Heat-reflective wrap for smooth-bore air intake pipe

[domV8]

I have a smooth-bore air intake pipe on the Chim, and have noticed that it runs *really* close to the manifold - less than a centimeter away...

The other day, out of mild curiosity, I ran my finger betwwen the (cold!) manifold and the intake pipe - and was alarmed to find a substantial "divit" in the pipe, at about the area closest to the manifold. The top layer of the pipe surface seemed to crumble into dust as I ran my finger across it, and stained my finger black.

Aaaargh! The pipe is obviously being superheated by the manifold, and the rubber/silicone is perishing badly and crumbling into nothing...

The pipe seems very stiff, so I can't simply move it - but I wondered about wrapping it in some of the silver reflecty stuff you see some TVR air intakes wrapped with...

The other idea is to heat-wrap my stainless-steel manifolds, but looks like there is a large group of people advising not to do this here..?

So best idea probably wrapping the intake pipe with the reflective material - but what is it, and where can I get it from..?


Any information/ideas/suggestions from people much appreciated.


Dom

[spend]

I think there is something wrong with your installation - the induction should not be that close to the manifold.

Bubble wrap covered with ally tape and then heat shield material is the usual method to insulate the pipe etc. Even mummified there is normally a reasonable air gap to the manifolds - enough to fit sheet metal shields even IIRC.

Ceramic coating of manifolds still pays for itself eventually when you consider frying alts, belts, rocker gaskets...

[scotty_d]

Here is where to source heat reflective wrap


http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/insulation-426-c.asp

[TDIPLC]

We have had very good success with Zircotec plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings.

They are very effective, very durable and come in different colours.

[JonathanT]

My kit from ACT included an 18inch long section of heat reflective sleeving. The gap on my '99 Chim is about an inch from my poor memory.

[domV8]

spend said:

I think there is something wrong with your installation - the induction should not be that close to the manifold.

Bubble wrap covered with ally tape and then heat shield material is the usual method to insulate the pipe etc. Even mummified there is normally a reasonable air gap to the manifolds - enough to fit sheet metal shields even IIRC.

Since this pic has been taken, the engine has been out, and I think the intake pipe now runs straighter, without the kink in IIRC - I will have to check it out in the light...

Dom

[ACT]

domV8 said:

spend said:

I think there is something wrong with your installation - the induction should not be that close to the manifold.

Bubble wrap covered with ally tape and then heat shield material is the usual method to insulate the pipe etc. Even mummified there is normally a reasonable air gap to the manifolds - enough to fit sheet metal shields even IIRC.

Since this pic has been taken, the engine has been out, and I think the intake pipe now runs straighter, without the kink in IIRC - I will have to check it out in the light...

Dom

Hi Dom
When we supply these kits they come with a heat sleeve, you may not have bought direct from us but still happy to help call if you wish ACT 01342 311790, unless you wish to opt for an alternative solution. you need to protect the pipe somehow.
Tim ACT

[scotty_d]

ACT said:

domV8 said:

spend said:

I think there is something wrong with your installation - the induction should not be that close to the manifold.

Bubble wrap covered with ally tape and then heat shield material is the usual method to insulate the pipe etc. Even mummified there is normally a reasonable air gap to the manifolds - enough to fit sheet metal shields even IIRC.

Since this pic has been taken, the engine has been out, and I think the intake pipe now runs straighter, without the kink in IIRC - I will have to check it out in the light...

Dom

Hi Dom
When we supply these kits they come with a heat sleeve, you may not have bought direct from us but still happy to help call if you wish ACT 01342 311790, unless you wish to opt for an alternative solution. you need to protect the pipe somehow.
Tim ACT

Hi Tim
do you do a longer Heat sleeve as i find the one that came with the kit about 200mm short if i slide it to either end of the smooth bore it works fine but i get a lot of heat still at the uncovered end and think it needs to be that little bit longer to cover more of the intake.

Regards Scott

[ACT]

Hi Scott

Yes we can supply any length, the 30cm we supply cover the area affected by radiated heat from the manifold, which is the most important bit to cover, call us if you need a longer piece.
Tim

[ACT]

TJS10 said:

What is the external diameter of the ACT intake pipe ?? Also what is the best product to insulate the elbow from the afm to the plenum ? is this right angled pipe the same diameter as the intake pipe? I assume a heat resistant tape would be best to cover this particular pipe to prevent creases in a sleeve. Any recommendations for a tape supplier?

Should the pipe be cleaned with some of the rubber and vinyl products which are said to preserve rubber given the close proximity to the manifolds? How flammable are these products.

Thanks

TJS

approx 85-88mm O/D the plenum elbow is 93mm O/D to insulate the elbow you can use 2 pieces of the heat sleeving, cut at an angle to meet at the bend, then tape the join with adhesive aluminium tape, the heat sleeve is 95mm so just fits over the elbow.
happy to supply you the above, or if you wish you can buy glass tape but we don't stock this, try Demon Tweeks.

the rubber won't melt or degrade unless very close to manifold without protection. no harm in cleaning with preserving products.

[Slacey]

Tim, can you buy a sleeve separately? My kit didn't come with one (ordered in 2007).

[ACT]

Slacey said:

Tim, can you buy a sleeve separately? My kit didn't come with one (ordered in 2007).

Yes of course, please call 01342 311790
Tim

[TJS10]

Thanks TIm

I have purchased a 3ft long intake heat sleeve from DEI which uses velco to adjust the diameter for the airbox to AFM intake and will use the short sleeve you supplied for the elbow. I will also go for a heat shield for the AFM itself, I was stunned at just how hot it gets.

TJS

[TJS10]

Thanks TIm

I have purchased a 3ft long intake heat sleeve from DEI which uses velco to adjust the diameter for the airbox to AFM intake and will use the short sleeve you supplied for the elbow. I will also go for a heat shield for the AFM itself, I was stunned at just how hot it gets.

TJS