10 replies to this topic

[RallyRed]

Hi,

Working on a little twin turbo LS1 project.

Engine is out for a birthday.

Noticed that some of the engine wiring is suffering from heat soak. ( see second pic)

 

Question is - how to protect engine wiring loom long term?

 

We plan to heat tape wrap the custom exhaust manifolds and as much of the turbo piping as possible.

And will try some of the self stick Aluminium-ised  fibreglass type tape wrap on the wiring harness itself ( cant move the wiring as it needs to go to its destination on the block )

They say the sticky tape is good for 1100 deg. C radiant heat.

 

So did a little bench test...applied a pyro gas soldering iron flame  to tape wrapped wires ( specs say pyro gun flame = 1300 deg C )

for a timed 5 minutes.

Unwrapped the wires and no damage at all. (see pics)

 

Looks promising.

 

Anyone got experience in this area....i.e.  turbos and heat damaged wiring, as happy to learn.

 

Thanks

Col

 

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[neglectedtorana]

Use a hydraulic guy at work that recommended fire proof tube to put over fuel lines

I think the tube comes in different sizes, he is Sydney based. Can send you his phone number if you want or try your local Pirtek rep.

Sure it is not cheap though

[RallyRed]

OK , thanks guys....will check out those cables ( will need to check sizes as one of the sections of factory engine wiring has around 15 cores , all very small gauge - to sensors etc. )..and give Pirtek a yell as well.

 

That tape we tested is about $45 for 2m...so not really a bargain either, but if any of the solutions work, then ts a winner.

 

Thanks again

[Rockoz]

Need to check the time rating for the heat proof stuff.

They will hold the heat out at a certain temperature for a certain time.

Trouble is if it gets hot enough for a long enough time it will be just as effective holding the heat in as holding it out.

Shields work well for wiring.

It reflects the heat but at the same time the ambient air from around it will help dissipate the heat.

[N/A-PWR]

Had a look around for some ideas,

 

and found the High Temperature Shrink Tubing:-

 

http://www.cambridge...t-shrink-tubing

 

http://www.designeng...mp-shrink-tubes

 

http://www.superstre...wiring-harness/

[RallyRed]

Victor - Had a look at those Ceramifiable wire cables - look good, but would prob. need to use , say, a 6 pair instrument cable to get the number of cores reqd, as the other ones seem to be more power cable oriented i.e. 10mm2. Some of the bends may be less than specified dimensions.

 

The issue with the heatshrink ( ta Dave) is getting it big enough to fit over the plugs ( bulky) , but still shrink down neatly. Regardless, worth a look.

 

yeah Rob, long term heat soak is a real issue.

 

And I agree OJ - the tape wraps look good when new, but look shi$#$$house when they get all frayed etc. around the edges.

 

Anyway...see how we go, reckon heat tape wrapping the turbo exhaust pipes as they pass down the sides of the block, will be a start....will then prob use the silver sticky tape, down the sides of the block, on the  the harnesses there - where it cant be seen.  Would love to implement some metal heat shields, but dont think there is any room!

 

Ta for the ideas fellas

[Rockoz]

Most pins will come out of the plugs without too much drama once you work out the way they are fixed.

Usually its just a matter of sliding something fine in the right place and they pop out without too much drama.

[jbmgt4]

Are you getting the exhaust components ceramic coated? This will reduce Temps heaps the polished aluminum is the best heat barrier as it's a two part process and they should do both internal and external. Ensure you have the turbine housings and exhaust done. You will be amazed at how much it reduces Temps. You can then wrap as well if you like. Wrapping alone still allows radiant heat, ceramic coating keeps the heat inside the pipes. Just my experiences anyway and I have had a lot to do with ceramic coating with engine builds and turbo charging. My 2lt tarmac rally car put out 350hp at 4 wheels and the coatings were extensive.