Header Coating Peeling | FerrariChat

Header Coating Peeling

Discussion in '348/355' started by RSO1091, Jun 15, 2015.

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  1. RSO1091

    RSO1091 Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2012
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    Idyllwild, CA.
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    Henry S.
    #1 RSO1091, Jun 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    About twenty months after installing my new Fabspeed coated headers, I am noticing that the heat coating is peeling away in several spots on different tubes on both sides of the engine. I've been working with Alex at Fabspeed and he is checking with the folks who do their coating as to the frequency of this issue. I'm a bit disappointed, but want to make it clear that Alex has answered all of my e-mails and appears ready to see this problem through, whatever is ultimately determined. I told him that I would check with others on FCHAT to see if anyone has ever seen this before (refer to accompanying photos). We'd appreciate any feedback or ideas as to why this is occurring.

    For info, the headers were installed during my F355's last major in 2013 and I have only put a few thousand miles on the car since.

    Thanks guys, Henry
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  2. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

    Feb 28, 2005
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    chris
    That looks pretty nasty.....will need to be redone.
    What temperature range coating did you use?
     
  3. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

    Feb 28, 2005
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    I believe Fabspeed used (not sure who their current coater is though) Jet-Hot High Performance coatings which offer high temp coatings with ratings of 1300, 2000 or 2500 degrees f.
    From the finish on your headers it appears you may have the 1300 degree coating.
     
  4. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

    Jul 8, 2006
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    Bruce
    I tried to warn people about this years ago....I am more concerned with the internal coating that has come off and getting caught by the reversion wave and winding up back in the cylinder...
     
  5. gobble

    gobble Formula 3
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    Jan 29, 2010
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    Or the cats?
     
  6. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    chris
    I don't think this is a problem with the use of high temp coatings....rather the wrong coating was applied for this application.
    When I coated my headers 6 years ago I also specified the silver 1300 degree coating because it looked sweet with the silver polished finish....however the coater called me and advised against this and recommended I use the 2000 -2500 degree coating instead.
    That finish is thick/rough but more durable for the heat in our engine compartments.
     
  7. TrojanFan

    TrojanFan F1 Veteran
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    Is this the ceramic coating or something else?
     
  8. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    Very common with JetHot, as well as similar coatings. In fact, I have an unused header that was coated by JetHot years ago that actually started rusting just sitting on a shelf in my shop. I have never seen the stuff hold up in the long term, even on race cars that live indoors and are seldom driven.

    If you want something better check out Swain Tech, but their exhaust coating is only available in white so you'll probably want to paint it.
     
  9. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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  10. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    Wow thats pretty crazy....must be the preparation as ceramic coating rarely has issues.
    I have heard good stuff about Swain Tech though.
     
  11. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    WOW blast from the past for me. Swain is the best PERIOD
    They did all the internals of our last race motor way back with friction modifiers.
     
  12. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
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    Bugtussle
    I've had at least two brand new headers done by JetHot themselves and I know of a number of racers that have used them, as well as other, similar coatings. I've never seen the silver stuff last for more than a few years. Just my own experiences. YMMV, of course.
     
  13. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    I used jet hot 2000 degree (black) on my twin turbo manifolds for my Rx7. The coating didnt last very long. Although they will probably redo out of warranty, i would rather try Swain Techs white lightening.
     
  14. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    I agree with you on the 1300 degree silver coating....looks great but doesn't last.
    My headers have now gone 6 years with the 2000 degree black coating and except for a few minor chips on the bottom after the merge collector (see the grey base primer)....have had no issues. I think that occurred due to surface preparation (greasy finger prints?)....I just resprayed with 1200 degree VHT ceramic header paint and problem gone.
     
  15. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    Actually I've seen a 355 with white headers.....contrasted with the red cam covers looks really sweet.
     
  16. KM1959

    KM1959 Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2014
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    Kevin
    I had some headers Jet Hot coated about 20 years ago (silver) and they still look great, a little duller though. Not a Ferrari but a 650 hp big block Chevy. Appears to be a coating application issue to me.
     
  17. jimmym

    jimmym Formula 3

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    #17 jimmym, Jun 15, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2015
    Bruce, I agree with you. If the coating is peeling on the outside, who knows what is happening inside the tubes. The peeled coating makes its way back into the cylinders. I know others have done this and supposedly haven't had any problems, but I felt it was risky. Everything is good until it isn't.
     
  18. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
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    Bugtussle
    Good to know. I've never tried the black coating but it sounds like it is more durable than the silver. Which is great for me, since I'd prefer black anyway.
     
  19. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Ive used the black coating. Same peeling issue. It could be a prep issue
     
  20. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    I have seen Henry drive and i think its the driver LOL!
     
  21. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
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    I used Jet hot (black) on a set of turbo manifolds for a C6Z 8 years ago. A little duller but no peeling/chipping even today, making 1350 to the tire.

    The silver coating always dulls but I wouldn't say it's very common to fail in the way pictured.
     
  22. radlu

    radlu Formula Junior

    Jun 6, 2005
    424
    Exactly. Coated a bunch of stuff ... never had any peeling issues.
     
  23. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    Can you see if the coating pulled a layer of the steel off with it?
     
  24. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    I never believed in these coatings....I would rather put Capristo blankets on them and move on. You will have better heat protection of the engine components that way. (engine mounts, connector boots, anything rubber or plastic)
     
  25. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    Nov 20, 2006
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    Old school header wrap has been fine for engine bay heat on my uncoated Fabspeeds for 7 years and 25k miles. Might add
    blankets at some point just for a little extra.
    I never really liked the interior coating idea.
     

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