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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Dave Head on November 08, 2010, 01:24:26 pm

Title: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Dave Head on November 08, 2010, 01:24:26 pm
Quote from: Gerry Vicha –

My concern when I got my coach was the amount of heat generated by the turbo and the exhaust system running to and from the turbo. Turbos constantly run at 600 to 1000 degrees, and occasionally higher on long pulls. This degree of constant heat has the ability to dry out (Lower the ignition temperature) of surrounding materials. After some research I decided to wrap both the turbo and the exhaust system with a 2000 degree ceramic  thermo blanket, and to re-insulate the compartment under the bed and line that with sheet aluminium. Both have worked well for me, less noise and heat and in the rear bedroom when traveling, and the engine actually runs cooler because the exhaust heat is carried out through the exhaust pipe and not radiating back onto the engine block.  Like I said "Works for Me" and I feel safer while driving my coach..... ;)

You also increase the power output of the engine by increasing the efficiency - more heat through the turbo = more work.
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: jaholder76 on November 08, 2010, 04:54:46 pm
This is one of the things that scare me the most...I don't wish this on anyone especially a Foretravel owner. I have lined my engine compt with stainless steel sheeting and have the full exhaust blanket the even covers the manifolds.
 
How many burned Foretravel coaches are known about? I only know of three.
2 gas pusher Grandvillas (fuel line rupture) and 1 FTX diesel due to an alternator short
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: George Hatfield on November 09, 2010, 09:11:07 am
Yes, it does get hot in there.  Last year I replaced many of the nylon (?) washers that are used to hold the insulation blanket on the inside of the engine compartment.  Many of those above the turbo had melted!  The last time I looked, the same thing has happened to the new ones.  I would be interested in seeing some pics of the additional heat protection that has been installed in the engine compartment. 
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on November 09, 2010, 11:17:41 am
After reading all of these posts, my plan is to keep the insurance paid up, and make regular checks for broken parts and leaks.  I am not in a plane or boat where the fire really needs to be put out or I might die.  I can just get out and walk away, at least I hope that will be the case.  I think the turbo blanket and lining the engine compartment is good advise.
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: George Stoltz on November 09, 2010, 12:00:04 pm
Quote
snip from Gerry Vicha

I decided to wrap both the turbo and the exhaust system with a 2000 degree ceramic  thermo blanket, and to re-insulate the compartment under the bed and line that with sheet aluminum.

Gerry:

Some pictures and some how-to directions would really be helpful.  Where did you buy the ceramic blanket?  There are several shown on line.  How did you secure the blanket in place?
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Gerry Vicha on November 09, 2010, 02:02:26 pm
I promise to post the info. A.S.A.P. - I did this project about three years ago I need to find the info. I did buy the ceramic blanket material and a spray on hardener from an E-Bay supplier, for less than $ 200.00 
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on November 09, 2010, 02:46:49 pm
Second thought about the turbo blanket, any chance that the retained heat could overheat the turbo and cook the bearings? 
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Dave Head on November 09, 2010, 08:48:03 pm
Quote
Second thought about the turbo blanket, any chance that the retained heat could overheat the turbo and cook the bearings?
Nope - been in use for decades - proven to increase efficiency and reduce underhood temps. Just like header wraps...
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: aspenpilot on January 30, 2011, 09:25:27 pm
On my previous coach, powered by a Cat 3208T, the bedroom would cook.  >:D  I got in touch with the folks at Advanced Thermal Products www.atpwrap.com (http://www.atpwrap.com) who promptly provided me a turbo wrap.  That wrap did the trick.  Even after a long haul at the height of summer, the bedroom stayed cool.  Just my personal observation.  FWIW, I'm going to install a turbo and exhaust wrap on my Foretravel.
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: Bill & Kim on January 31, 2011, 03:37:38 pm
Quote from: aspenpilot –
FWIW, I'm going to install a turbo and exhaust wrap on my Foretravel. 

Brian,
How difficult is the wrap to install?
Title: Re: Engine thermo blanket
Post by: aspenpilot on January 31, 2011, 10:45:24 pm
Hi Bill,

The wrap is VERY easy to install.  It took all of about 10 minutes.  The hardest part was putting the sheets back on the bed after gaining access to the top of the engine.  :)  Think of it as a blanket or quilt that wraps around the entire turbo housing.  Mine was held on with fasteners that were on the wrap itself.  Hope this helps.
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