Bulent Aliev wrote:

[The Canard Aviators's Mailing list]

I have been using ceramic insulation blankets developed for furnace
repairs for about 15 years. In it's virgin state it's heavy with
whatever liquid they use for curing it to shape. It comes in a sealed
plastic envelope and in varying thicknesses.
I buy mine in half-inch blankets, cut then to shape with ordinary
scissors.  I then wrap them around the exhaust system. While still wet,
I make a  few wraps of fly screen and finish off with a spiral wound
stainless wire.
The fly screen reinforces the ceramic. It's it cured state it's hard but

somewhat brittle. Since it's not inside a protective shield like a
furnace where it's more commonly used, it runs the risk of breaking. The

fly screen becomes actually imbedded in the ceramic matrix during the
cure.  The wire wrap is just to hold things in place until they cure.

You can cure the ceramic by simply using heat from the engine. My
experience has been that while this works OK, you are better off
preheating the material with a high output electric heat gun. You can't
burn this stuff, at least not easily.

I lost the data I stored in my pc but on one engine I did, A
turbocharged Ford V8, the technician had to re-adjust the overboost
values because the inlet side of the turbine was getting significantly
higher pressures.  Since the only thing I did was wrap the manifold with

ceramic, the cause and effect are easily demonstrated. The discoloration

in adjacent painted areas has also ceased.

I haven't done this process in about 6 years and some price increase is
to be expected. I'd be very surprised if the entire installation ran you

over $20.oo for a four cylinder engine, ceramic, screening, wire, clamps

and all.

PS: Don't over tighten the wraps or you'll squeeze out the curing
liquid.  Just follow the instructions that come with it. Most boiler
repair companies stock the stuff and/or can tell you where to buy it.

Keep Cool!

I have been wrapping my pipes for years and hundreds of hours of

flight

time with no ill effects.  However this is important, your pipes must

be

stainless or degradation will occur.


Greg Nelson (X-Ray)
VEZ 41RE

From: Bruce McElhoe [SMTP:brucem@theworks.com]

Heat from the exhaust pipes is affecting the cowling on my
Long-EZ..minor wrinkling of the paint at this time.

I was thinking of wrapping the exhaust with Thermo-Tec tape (silica
based, available from Aircraft Spruce

Bruce McElhoe         Long-EZ N64MC

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