header wrap: good idea or not???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
header wrap: good idea or not???
I have two problems right now, starter soak and cold O2 sensor at idle. The O2 sensor is mounted about 10 inches away from #8 cylinder and reads about 0 volts during idle and will operate correctly (.1 to 1 volt) above 1200RPM. Since an O2 sensor has to be at least 600 degrees to work, it is cooling off at idle and getting hot again at higher rpms. I have hooker side exhaust. I'm thinking header wrap will solve both problems but there is a disclaimer in the product description that says the wrap may void manfacturers warranty. My warranty has long since been up but there must be a reason header manufacturers dont want you to put that stuff on. Any help?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (nitrocharger)
what it does it creates moisture under the wrap when hot to cold and back to hot again...thats whay they wont warrantee with it.itll actually rot out the header eventually.Ive run header wrap for 5 years to cut down on heat in the engine compartment .not sure what its gone to do for the oxygen sensor porblem but i installed a heated one 3 wire because ines at the end of the collector with long tube headers.also its greast of r when your changing plugs between rounds pipes wrap keeps you from burning your fingers and hands.
[Modified by pats406nitrovette, 2:32 PM 9/8/2002]
[Modified by pats406nitrovette, 2:32 PM 9/8/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (nitrocharger)
When you drive through water it soaks enough to give everybody around you a scare for a couple of blocks.
DO NOT let oil get on the wrap.
My single wire O2 sensor is mounted 27 inches fron the cylinder head and works fine. The distance from head to sensor is covered with header wrap.
DO NOT let oil get on the wrap.
My single wire O2 sensor is mounted 27 inches fron the cylinder head and works fine. The distance from head to sensor is covered with header wrap.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,057
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (nitrocharger)
i would try the wrap for a test.
might try leaving 1/8" gap between the wraps to allow for air circulation in a permanent installation.
or get a heated sensor if that doesn't work.
What is the A/F at idle? if it is too rich it wll be too cool. 13:1 is about right.
might try leaving 1/8" gap between the wraps to allow for air circulation in a permanent installation.
or get a heated sensor if that doesn't work.
What is the A/F at idle? if it is too rich it wll be too cool. 13:1 is about right.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Van Buren AR
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (Twinnie)
I ruined a set of headers by using header wrap. The wrap does absorb mositure and it will cause the the tubes to rust prematurely. If you need to get heat to the oxygen sensor use a three wire, heated version.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (nitrocharger)
I have had header wrap on my car for over 6 years now with no ill effects. The headers I installed were actually used. I sand blasted and then high temp painted them. I peeked under he wrap just a couple of months ago when doing an oil change and the headers look just like they did after painting. The header wrap makes a noticable difference in underhood temperatures and an accedental touch when hot does not mean instant burn.
As far as starter heat soak I can't tell you if it will help or not. I had heat soak before and after the header install. Finally got a rebuilt starter with a heat shield over the selenoid and have not had a problem since. No O2 sensor on my car so I can't help you there.
As far as starter heat soak I can't tell you if it will help or not. I had heat soak before and after the header install. Finally got a rebuilt starter with a heat shield over the selenoid and have not had a problem since. No O2 sensor on my car so I can't help you there.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 3
From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: header wrap: good idea or not??? (nitrocharger)
Ok, I have the same notion that you do on heat exposure, only I have a different approach. Instead of header wrap which apparently causes many other problems why not compromise and use Jet Coat on the headers and save the exhaust header from moisture and still run cooler in the engine compartment?
JIM th Southern Man
JIM th Southern Man
