Sunday, April 13, 2014
How to Calculate Fiberglass Wrap Headers
Exhaust wrap, sometimes called header wrap, is lighter, more stylish and probably more efficient than heat shields. It is used mostly on motorcycles but can also be used on cars. Headers are the exhaust pipes closest to the exhaust ports on a gasoline engine. They get hot enough to ignite paper, so motorcycle riders need some protection from that heat. Fiberglass wraps insulate more efficiently than metal shields. They might even increase your horsepower. Wrap manufacturers say that keeping all that heat in the pipes improves engine efficiency.
Instructions
- 1
Measure the diameter of your header or exhaust pipes with a micrometer. In most cases the diameter of your header pipes will be 1 3/8 inches to 3 inches.
2Measure the length of all the pipes you intend to wrap. Measure with a steel measuring tape from the exhaust port to the mufflers or the point where you want to stop wrapping each pipe. In most cases, this wrap is applied to V-Twin motorcycles, which have two pipes.
3Decide the width of the exhaust wrap you want to use. Most brands of exhaust wrap come in 1- and 2-inch widths.
4Begin calculating the length of wrap you will need per linear foot of header or exhaust pipe at 70 inches for 1-inch wrap and 30 inches for 2-inch wrap. Those lengths are the amount of wrap you need for each foot of 1 3/8-inch header or exhaust pipe.
5Add 6 inches of 1-inch-wide wrap for each linear foot of pipe that exceeds the diameter of 1 3/8 inch diameter pipe by 1/8 inch. For example, you will need 76 inches of wrap for each linear foot of 1 1/2-inch pipe and 82 inches for each linear foot of 1 5/8 inch diameter pipe. You will need 112 inches of 1-inch-wide wrap for each linear foot of 2 1/4-inch diameter pipes and 136 inches of 1-inch-wide wrap for each linear foot of 3-inch diameter pipes.
6Add 3 inches of 2-inch-wide wrap for each linear foot of pipe that exceeds the diameter of 1 3/8-inch diameter pipe by 1/8 inch. For example, you will need 33 inches of 2-inch wrap for each linear foot of 1 1/2-inch diameter header pipe and 45 inches of 2-inch wrap for each linear foot of 2-inch diameter header pipe.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
How to Use an Exhaust Patch Wrap
Exhaust pipes carry fumes from engine combustion out to the rear of a vehicle and away from the driver. Older exhaust pipes obtain holes from age or substances that remain on them without cleaning it off like mud. Sealing a tailpipe with exhaust patch wrap will keep fumes behind you and improve vehicle performance.
Instructions
- 1
Turn the vehicle off, and let it cool completely. Place dishwashing liquid and water in a bucket to make a soapy mixture. Wash the hole on the exhaust pipe and 6 inches surrounding it to clean any dirt or mud with a washcloth. Let the area dry completely.
2Place the loose end of the exhaust wrap roll in the clean area 6 inches in front of the repair area. Wrap the roll in a circular motion pulling it taut while working towards the hole and 6 inches past the hole. Overlap the patch wrap by at least 1 inch on each revolution of wrapping.
3Cut any excess wrap off with scissors. Press the end into place overlapping the last wrap.
4Start the vehicle, and either let it idle for 20 minutes or drive it for 20 minutes. The heat in the exhaust pipe binds the wrap onto the pipe and itself.
