Insulating pipes to rear heater... Need ideas.
- Thread starter bikersmurf
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- Thread starter
- #42
I've also used compressed air to help install similar padding over rods. The air blowing through helps to create a gap to allow it to slide on.
I found one of my brooms has a neoprene closed cell foam on the handle almost exact to the OEM foam- not sure how many brooms I would have to buy. Another option would be to go buy some neoprene fabric-wet suit type and have it stitched to the right diameter...
- Thread starter
- #44
Armaflex
I was going to take some pictures of how I overcame the installation challenges... but there weren't any.
The 1/2" Armaflex slid super easily over the stock pipes. (I think getting 3/8" over would even be possible.) I just pushed it on from the loose end, and if it started to bunch up further down the pipe I pushed it further down for a bit and then went back to the loose end. The installation was a breeze.
Here are some pictures of the installed Armaflex:
The second photo is of the Home Depot insulation that couldn’t withstand the heat.
I was going to take some pictures of how I overcame the installation challenges... but there weren't any.
The 1/2" Armaflex slid super easily over the stock pipes. (I think getting 3/8" over would even be possible.) I just pushed it on from the loose end, and if it started to bunch up further down the pipe I pushed it further down for a bit and then went back to the loose end. The installation was a breeze.
Here are some pictures of the installed Armaflex:
The second photo is of the Home Depot insulation that couldn’t withstand the heat.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #45
The negative.
I did find that the foam packed out where I squeezed it hard when I was reconnecting the pipes. For this reason I don't think Armaflex is the ideal solution... just the best I've been able to find.
Here's a picture of where the foam has been "crushed":
I did find that the foam packed out where I squeezed it hard when I was reconnecting the pipes. For this reason I don't think Armaflex is the ideal solution... just the best I've been able to find.
Here's a picture of where the foam has been "crushed":
Looks nice, good job done.
- Thread starter
- #47
It could possibly work, I don't know how well it would handle the heat.
Neoprene fabric is very easy to sew. Another good idea.
I'll report back how the Armafllex stands up to abuse, and how well it insulates.
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
A few things I do when working with armaflex. I want a snug fit. You can stretch it a little to get it over a pipe. Also don't bunch it up. It will form fit very nice that way. I also try and use a armaflex type that has a dull black finish.
- Thread starter
- #49
Would you recommend going undersize then (to 3/8")? This was the Armacell/Armaflex and it's a dark charcoal (see pictures back on page two). Are you redding to a different Armaflex? If so, do you know what it's called?
I'm likely going to stick with what I have. But for the sake of others following in my footsteps, I'd like to know more.
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
Armaflex is a trade mark name of Armstrong as far as I know. For most refrigerant piping jobs I use what the parts house have. Right now I doing a small piping job to correct the water lines for a couple of oil coolers on chillers. What I'm using to insulate the pipes has a name K-FLEX USA on it. It is the type I like. I haven't looked into sizing the heater lines in the LC so can't comment on which size works best. Guessing it is a metric size. I would find out which size SAE wrench fits over the pipe. If the wrench is a loose fit go one size smaller. I would also not insulate the pipes while inside the LC. Since the system has to be open and drained anyway remove the pipes.
