Adventure in wrapping exhaust pipes!

[spydercamp13]

Exhaust Wrap

I had my exhaust wrapped from the headers back, saw absolutely NO difference in my heat problems. In fact after the wrapping which was done by my local can am dealership, I noticed gas bubbling in my gas tank, probably been bubbling since day one, but this was the first that I had removed the gas cap when the tank was full to add some gas additive. I wasn't impressed to say the least.
With all the issues I've had with my 2013 RTS-SE5, I have turned it over to an attorney to file under the federal lemon law act of 1975, Magnuson and Moss. Those of you who have relentless issues with heat related problems and other issues might want to consider doing the same.

 

[spydercamp13]

Exhaust Wrap

Forgot to mention, they only wrapped on side of my exhaust. And after finding the gas bubbling, I called the dealership and had them trailer it back to the shop for another round of whatever is decided. I think I'm ready to go back to the Goldwing. There units are all encased in tupperware and not having all these problems.

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

opcorn:opcorn: Not sure I even want to get this started again? Wrapping may or may not be the answer but It has helped my 13 RT/S to what extent? Won't know that for sure till next summer. In the mean time i'm still waiting for the BRP "fix" or "suggestion" what ever that may be.

 

[Benggolf]

Thanks all to those who contributed to this thread.
A very interesting and worthwhile project to do IMHO.
Any idea how long the exhaust wraps will last (in terms of mileage or length of service) assuming
you use the Spyder on 1-2 long trips each year only, but regular weekend rides (2-hour trips) from spring to fall.

I guess rust will not be an issue here because the pipes are stainless steel....only probably deterioration of the wraps.
Do you think it will last at least 5 years?

While on this topic of wrapping things up, what do you use to insulate the gas tank? Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[SNOOPY]

40 years :shocked:

 

[PMK]

This topic has me curious. I have used ThermoTec products on an aircraft I maintained. It worked well. I had discussions with ThermoTec prior to installing the tape and they cautioned that the tape can cause increased heat into the pipe. This can result in increased erosion of the metal or in extreme cases, overheat the material causing other problems. They recommended that thin wall exhaust be wrapped with caution.

I also used the safety wire method to secure the tapes, and the tapes were installed wet with water to ease installation.

We ran ThermoTec for many years on the aircraft with no issues to the pipes themselves. Issues that did arise were were the tape working loose over time and required some attention. I never enjoyed working in the exhaust area with bare arms. Not on account of heat, since the ThermoTec wrapped pipes still radiate heat, it was more on account of the ceramic fibres getting in the skin with a feel similar to handling fiberglass.

When the ThermoTec had finally served it's term, I did some research and went with Jet Hot.

http://www.jet-hot.com/

These guys did a blast prep inside and outside on the exhaust tubes. They then applied their coating. Overall, the Jet Hot was a much better barrier for heat (our primary goal). The finish, while we did go with a textured higher temp product, looked great year after. Increased engine performance was a non issue but I'm sure it helped. he big noticeable difference was when doing maintenance. With ThermoTec products, it took a while for the exhaust to cool before you could work without concern for burns. With Jet Hot, the exhaust was cool to the touch in just a minute or two.

So is the wrap being used on Spyders for a cost issue or just convenience to DIY and not ship the pipes?

Not slamming the ThermoTec products since they do work, just curious why I have not seen it mentioned about Jet Hot.

PK

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

This topic has me curious. I have used ThermoTec products on an aircraft I maintained. It worked well. I had discussions with ThermoTec prior to installing the tape and they cautioned that the tape can cause increased heat into the pipe. This can result in increased erosion of the metal or in extreme cases, overheat the material causing other problems. They recommended that thin wall exhaust be wrapped with caution.

I also used the safety wire method to secure the tapes, and the tapes were installed wet with water to ease installation.

We ran ThermoTec for many years on the aircraft with no issues to the pipes themselves. Issues that did arise were were the tape working loose over time and required some attention. I never enjoyed working in the exhaust area with bare arms. Not on account of heat, since the ThermoTec wrapped pipes still radiate heat, it was more on account of the ceramic fibres getting in the skin with a feel similar to handling fiberglass.

When the ThermoTec had finally served it's term, I did some research and went with Jet Hot.

http://www.jet-hot.com/

These guys did a blast prep inside and outside on the exhaust tubes. They then applied their coating. Overall, the Jet Hot was a much better barrier for heat (our primary goal). The finish, while we did go with a textured higher temp product, looked great year after. Increased engine performance was a non issue but I'm sure it helped. he big noticeable difference was when doing maintenance. With ThermoTec products, it took a while for the exhaust to cool before you could work without concern for burns. With Jet Hot, the exhaust was cool to the touch in just a minute or two.

So is the wrap being used on Spyders for a cost issue or just convenience to DIY and not ship the pipes?

Not slamming the ThermoTec products since they do work, just curious why I have not seen it mentioned about Jet Hot.

PK

There have been lots of people on here that have had their pipes ceramic coated and it works well also, but wrapping is a one day job in your garage with instant results. As far as damaging the pipes, the jury is still out on that one. Our head pipes on the spyders are double wall pipes and I know many people in the race care arena that have had exhaust wrapped for years and it was single wall pipes. Mostly the problem come from wrapping the pipes and then getting them wet causing moisture to accelerate the rusting of the pipes, our pipes are also stainless.

 

[SNOOPY]

I think my wrapped pipes will outlast the time that I own it, and I plan on keeping my bike a long time. ray:


.

 

[Mowerman]

Can you wrap just the left side pipe? Will that make any problems. I have the cat by-pass installed on my 2013 rt. It just seems like I still have heat coming from the left side pipe.

 

[timeless]

Can you wrap the exhausts while leaving them in place.
I'm very interested in the wrap, but I'd rather not remove the exhaust pipes, even if it takes more time and material.

I wrapped mine in place 2 years ago, it was hard but doable by using shorter strips & over lapping the joints. I also wrapped the catalytic converter and pipe going to the muffler.

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

Can you wrap just the left side pipe? Will that make any problems. I have the cat by-pass installed on my 2013 rt. It just seems like I still have heat coming from the left side pipe.

The left side pipe being the longest puts the most heat under the plastic but to be completely honest with this, it's all wasted effort unless you like the quieter motor. Wrapping the pipes will only help a very small amount in getting the heat under control.

 

[daviszoo1]

Help

I am in the process of wrapping the pipes on my wife's '13 rt limited...have the front (long pipe) loose but how do I remove from the bike..? thanks

 

[SNOOPY]

I am in the process of wrapping the pipes on my wife's '13 rt limited...have the front (long pipe) loose but how do I remove from the bike..? thanks

Removing the the pipe looks like a major job!

Hope you have time on your side!