headers and high temp. paint

[OldBarnBronco]

I was just wondering if anyone have ever tried to protect/extend the life of their headers by using hi-temp paint. I've heard of Jet coating and such but I am more of a DIY'er and would like to try this on the cheap. I thought something like POR-20 (that's there hi-temp stuff, alum.) might work. Anyone ever try something like this? Thoughts? Thanks and I hope everyone is having an awesome Friday.

 

[ep67bro]

I tired a product form Eastwood (10366Z silver matt high temp coating)on a set of steel headers I had in an old F250. It had mixed results. It held up good at the end of the headers but seemed to burn off and rust up near the heads pretty quick. Part of the problem may have been the headers were new but had not been sandblasted befoe I applied the paint.

 

[OldBarnBronco]

I was wondering about that. I should have also asked how erosive is the exhaust blasting out of the cylinder? Do headers rot from the inside, outside, or both? The outside causes are obviously from H2O and salt.

 

[broncnaz]

While there can be issues with corrosion from the inside out its usually not a issue like the outside. Paint will help protect but you'll probably have to reapply as time goes by. Almost all the paints will burn off near the heads although there are a few ceramic paints that i have heard of working well and not burning off.

 

[JohnJohn]

My 77 came with long tube headers but they were rusty. I media blasted them but they still had some rust pits when I was done so I hit them with the Duplicolor VHT high-temp paint. I put a few coats on then wrapped the headers with some Thermotec header wrap to cover the now painted rust pitting.

They turned out great and the paint hear the heads has held up well but I only have 800 miles on them.

I would bet the header wrap stuff and the fact that I media blasted them helps the pain hold longer but time will tell.

 

[broncnaz]

Header wrap is a very bad idea they will rust out even quicker with that stuff on them. It tends to hold water. water+ heat+ steel=rust

 

[JohnJohn]

This will be the second set of headers I have wraped and I have had no problems at all with rust. Headers are the hotest part of the engine. Even if they get wet, they will dry out in seconds. I get more HP and lower engine temps to boot.

 

[broncnaz]

Well I guess you must never drive it in the rain. either that or your just lucky. I've seen wrapped headers rust out and thats even here in AZ where it doesnt rain much. Fact is doesnt matter about the heat that only applies when its actually running upon shut down if its cold or humid out the water will attract to the warmth and can sit in the wraps causing rust quicker. Just like when you park the vehicle for the night and when you start it the next morning you get water coming out the exhuast it condesnes there.
I just wouldnt wrap headers on a EB or other 4x4 unless I had no other choice.