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Engine thermo blanket

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.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #1 –
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
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #2 –
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. 
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George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #3 –
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.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #4 –
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?
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #5 –
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 
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #6 –
Second thought about the turbo blanket, any chance that the retained heat could overheat the turbo and cook the bearings? 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #7 –
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...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #8 –
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 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.
Brian and Jen

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #9 –
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?
Bill Jackson & Kim Sweeney
2013 27' Lazy Daze RK
2002 U320 PBDS 36' Build 5941 (Sold)
1999 U320 40' (Sold)
2005 Country Coach Intrigue 40' (Sold)

Re: Engine thermo blanket

Reply #10 –
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.
Brian and Jen