Thermo-tec is actually made in my home town and I had this conversation with
the creator/owner of thermotech at the time. He recommended against using
the tape because most people install it incorrectly. The typical problem is
that it is wrapped too tight causing problems with restricting expansion and
heat pockets. This of course leads to very quick deteroration of the
header. He did recommend a different product he makes which is basically
the same material, but instead of it being a roll that you wrap around the
header it is tubular in shape with a slit down one side. You place it
around the header and crimp it on. Removes the possibility of you
overtightening.
YMMV
Patrick Bowen
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken C [mailto:sdspitfire@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 7:54 PM
To: Spit Elist
Subject: Rimmer delivers... well most of it
Spitsters,
Got a big box today from Rimmer / DHL, most of the parts arrived, a few on
backorder. Importantly, all the engine stuff is here, even the dreaded
"bearings". Buy all your bearings locally, otherwise, you too will become
part of some nefarious "dumping" scheme !! (VBG) Only took 5 weeks to get
here, US Customs WILL uphold all "anti-dumping" statutes. Ain't
bureaucracies great !
Most of the shipment is a stainless steel header / exhaust system. And the
question is... Is it ok to wrap the header tubes using the 'header tape' ?
You know the stuff, insulates the tubes, cuts down on the under bonnet
heat... Way back in another life, I seem to remember a serious problem
using that tape, mild steel headers would just rust away, the tape would
trap moisture. Shouldn't be a concern with stainless steel, should it ? (304
Stainless, according to Rimmer)
Thermo-Tec makes it, Jeg's sells it for $35 for a 50 roll
(http://www.jegs.com/)
TIA,
Ken C
'72 Spit
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