Insulating pipes to rear heater... Need ideas.

[Living in the Past]

One thing I would do is buy the non-split type armaflex. It is a little harder to install but it will hold form better. The type you peel away the tape and stick together will later split at the bends. Use to buy it in 6' sticks. The most you would need would be two sticks. I guessing 5/8" with 3/8 wall would be good. Check the OD of the pipe to be sure. Before installing sand off any ruff spots on the pipes. This will let the armaflex slide on easier. Also plug the end of the pipe before installing. Otherwise you will get a black dust inside the pipe.

 

[Bear]

Was your comment about heater hose intending to replace the metal tubing entirely with hose?
Would slicing hose along its length make slipping it over the installed metal tubing be of any value?

 

[bikersmurf]

1/2" Armaflex with 3/8" wall is $5 for a six foot length at the local refrigeration supply place. I think I'll go check it out later.

Insul-tube 180 looks like a good product, cheaper on line. I don't know if I can find a local supplier.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

 

[bikersmurf]

Was your comment about heater hose intending to replace the metal tubing entirely with hose?
Would slicing hose along its length make slipping it over the installed metal tubing be of any value?

Not to replace, to slide overtop.

Slicing it would be more of a hassle than it would be worth because of all the bends in it. IMO.

 

[mydogpea]

1/2" Armaflex with 3/8" wall is $5 for a six foot length at the local refrigeration supply place. I think I'll go check it out later.

Insul-tube 180 looks like a good product, cheaper on line. I don't know if I can find a local supplier.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

I guess I was looking at a different product. $5 is cheap(sorry, inexpensive!)

 

[shelfboy1]

have you tried a plumbing shop or hvac outlet even lowes sells insulation for pipes .read the label for temp ratings.

 

[bikersmurf]

have you tried a plumbing shop or hvac outlet even lowes sells insulation for pipes .read the label for temp ratings.

The pipe insulation from Home Depot melted.
Armaflex is what the hvac/refrigeration shop recommended.

The Plumbing specialty shop (I checked) doesn't stock anything rated to withstand higher temperatures.

 

[ben757]

I had a few spots on my heater tubes where the foam was wearing off so I used this foam pluming tape rated to 200 degree to patch a few spots. Then bought 3/4" heat resistant split loom from Waytechwire to span the entire pipe making everything look nice. Hasnt melted yet, looks great and I think it set me back 25$.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Huh.

Mine are just rubber heater hoses running under the original rubber floormat plus a carpet floor mat. No one has ever complained about them.

 

[bikersmurf]

I was tempted to run rubber all the way... It looks like it won't cost any more to keep the stock brass pipes, so I think that's what I'll end up doing.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Can you tell us about the install of the armaflex???

 

[bikersmurf]

Can you tell us about the install of the armaflex???

Will do.

 

[bikersmurf]

Armacell AP/Armaflex

picked up a 6' length of Armaflex 3/8" wall 1/2" pipe insulation with an R-2 rating. It's Charcoal Grey, and fairly soft (like a firm marshmallow). I'm not anticipating any problems installing it over the 1/2" brass pipe since it can be stretched out to 5/8"+.

The Supplier recommended covering it with foil tape if it is exposed to direct sunlight. In direct sunlight, they will break down after a few years. They though it should be fine inside the cab of the truck without any other layers. With the factory mat installed I should be laughing.

The cost was less than $4.

I'll post some pictures of the install once I get a chance to install it.

 

[subzali]

I think you're set. Is it split or non-split type?

 

[bikersmurf]

Non split, which will be better in the long run... But a pia to install as the lines run under the corner of the fuel tank.



Oh, and it's rated to 220 degrees max operating temp.

 

[piecemeal]

manicure anyone?? ;P

 

[65swb45]

So it's undersized AND you're planning on installing it without slitting it lengthwise?

I think we'll be reading about Plan B soon enough!

Good luck.

Best

Mark A.

 

[bikersmurf]

1/2" rubber heater hose fits over the brass pipe, so I don't see why 1/2" pipe insulation wouldn't fit.

Is there something I'm missing?

 

[73fj40lc]

I just used rubber heater hose over my brass pipes to insulate the brass. It isn't near as thick as the pipe insulation. I haven't had any problems so far with the setup.

 

[subzali]

There's also this stuff, which is rated to 180F:
McMaster-Carr, page 3485.

It's the same idea really...

Or there's this from Grainger, rated to 200F:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/pi.../hvacr/ecatalog/N-90iZ1z0fx3cZ1z11edaZ1z0m3ai

I like the Armacell though. Just have to find it locally.