Header Heat Issues

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Sep 11, 2002 | 11:43 PM

WHRITZY

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Instructor

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From: Atlanta GA

Header Heat Issues

I recently had my motor on my 90 built to include headers. My brakes went out yesterday and I figured it was the booster. Took it in and sure enough it was. What is unusual is the mechanic advised he felt like the heat from the headers caused the booster to crack on the bottom outside....unusual. My problem is that the headers are ceramic coated, and there are several parts closer to the header that have not failed, i.e. plug wires, wire looms, plastic ties, etc.....the booster is a good 12 inches from the header! Has anyone with headers ever had this happen??? Have you ever heard of a booster cracking from the outside on the bottom? :mad

Sep 12, 2002 | 02:31 AM

drive it

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Ca.

Re: Header Heat Issues (WHRITZY)

Actually my booster melted a hole!!! I just fabbed up a heat sheild in that area and also by the starter out of sheet metal and that solved the problem.

Sep 12, 2002 | 02:43 AM

pablocruise

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Santa Maria, CA

Re: Header Heat Issues (drive it)

I did the same as Drive.
Fabbed a shield. (also parts of my headers are wrapped with the fiberglass tape)
small tip: Spraypaint plug boots with high heat spray paint.

Sep 12, 2002 | 10:52 AM

Nathan Plemons

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Re: Header Heat Issues (WHRITZY)

My ceramic coated headers have never caused a problem. I've got plug wires that run within a quarter inch of them and don't even try to dry out or crack.

I guess the L98 booster is closer or larger? I've got L98 headers and don't have any trouble. :confused:

Sep 12, 2002 | 11:30 AM

WHRITZY

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From: Atlanta GA

Re: Header Heat Issues (Nathan Plemons)

I think what's happened is that the side/bottom of the booster (which is plastic) gets soft from the heat....and when it cooled down it cracked. The new booster is on, and I put my hand on the side of it near the header and get scalded! But, you're right, I have plug wires, etc that are closer to the header than the booster, and they're ok....

89 Joe, you and I have about the same thing going on in our car other than you chose the superram....is there any chance either of you guys that fabricated a shield can send me a pic so I can get an idea of what you did?

Have to go to track Sunday, so am on the way to parts store to see if I can get some heat tape or something to put on the side of booster as a temp fix and keep some of the heat off it..... :(

Sep 12, 2002 | 11:31 AM

WHRITZY

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From: Atlanta GA

Re: Header Heat Issues (WHRITZY)

Excuse me Paul...I meant "89 Paul"

Sep 12, 2002 | 08:50 PM

WHRITZY

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From: Atlanta GA

Re: Header Heat Issues (WHRITZY)

Hopefully have the problem solved. Went to speed shop today and purchased an alumized heat barrier blanket. Cut myself out a circle, removed brake fluid reservoirs, and wrapped booster in it. Gathered the whole thing at the back, fastened with a plastic tie, trimmed off excess and I doubt she'll ever melt again!

Thanks for the responses!

Sep 13, 2002 | 12:39 AM

The Dingo

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From: Sydney, Australia

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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22

Re: Header Heat Issues (WHRITZY)

I had my booster split on the outside bottom part like you describe.

I don't have headers though. OEM manifolds here... :)

IMO headers may speed up this process but I suspect having this happen is normal wear and tear for a car with a plastic brake booster.