Freshly coated headers

Rob Petrie E395 · 10-31-2008, 07:51 PM

Just got a set headers back from Nitro Plate. They are going back to be redone (dont ask I am already upset about it enoughf and the guy that owns them is REALLY pissed) But anyways I dont want them to look any worse. What do you guys do to the headers before firing up the engine with them for the first time. I have heard it is good to wipe them down before and after, But with what thinner, brake clean, denatured alcohol ect. Let me hear what you guys like to do. Last set was done by jet hot and they looked like sh in less than 6 months. do you guys just install and make passes or should I get them hot and let them sit and cool off before making passes. Nitro plate did not send any instructions for proper "break in" and I think its too late to get them and he would like to test tomorrow or sunday if possible.

thanks in advance for your help
Rob

Alan Roehrich · 10-31-2008, 10:10 PM

NitroPlate usually includes instructions advising you to jet up because we've found the coating causes the AFR to go quite lean, as well as causing an increase in EGT. If you did not get those instructions, just call Chris and tell him. I have no doubt they'll make it right.

If the coating has turned dark, and/or taken on a frosty and slightly rough appearance and texture, that's a sure sign the EGT has gone well over 1300 degrees for at least a short period of time. I know very well what it takes to do this, as I've done tons of testing, some of it intended to see what the limits are.

It is very difficult to break in a new engine and not cause at least slight problems with coated headers. Especially with a flat tappet camshaft being broken in.

Ordinarily the coating does not require ANY break in, they cure it at a very high temperature. It also should not have anything on it that you didn't get on it during installation, they tumble and polish the headers before shipping. We just make sure not to get any oil or grease on them as it will stain the headers, although they can often be cleaned and polished to remove SOME stains.

They are polished just like you'd polish anything aluminum, and you can use an aluminum polish like Mother's to polish them again. If the coating is not seriously damaged it will shine back up.

10-31-2008, 07:51 PM	#1
Rob Petrie E395 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Woodlawn IL Posts: 1,092 Likes: 162 Liked 216 Times in 77 Posts	Freshly coated headers Just got a set headers back from Nitro Plate. They are going back to be redone (dont ask I am already upset about it enoughf and the guy that owns them is REALLY pissed) But anyways I dont want them to look any worse. What do you guys do to the headers before firing up the engine with them for the first time. I have heard it is good to wipe them down before and after, But with what thinner, brake clean, denatured alcohol ect. Let me hear what you guys like to do. Last set was done by jet hot and they looked like sh in less than 6 months. do you guys just install and make passes or should I get them hot and let them sit and cool off before making passes. Nitro plate did not send any instructions for proper "break in" and I think its too late to get them and he would like to test tomorrow or sunday if possible. thanks in advance for your help Rob Last edited by Rob Petrie E395; 10-31-2008 at 07:54 PM. Reason: grammer

10-31-2008, 10:10 PM	#2
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,101 Likes: 1,557 Liked 1,780 Times in 405 Posts	Re: Freshly coated headers NitroPlate usually includes instructions advising you to jet up because we've found the coating causes the AFR to go quite lean, as well as causing an increase in EGT. If you did not get those instructions, just call Chris and tell him. I have no doubt they'll make it right. If the coating has turned dark, and/or taken on a frosty and slightly rough appearance and texture, that's a sure sign the EGT has gone well over 1300 degrees for at least a short period of time. I know very well what it takes to do this, as I've done tons of testing, some of it intended to see what the limits are. It is very difficult to break in a new engine and not cause at least slight problems with coated headers. Especially with a flat tappet camshaft being broken in. Ordinarily the coating does not require ANY break in, they cure it at a very high temperature. It also should not have anything on it that you didn't get on it during installation, they tumble and polish the headers before shipping. We just make sure not to get any oil or grease on them as it will stain the headers, although they can often be cleaned and polished to remove SOME stains. They are polished just like you'd polish anything aluminum, and you can use an aluminum polish like Mother's to polish them again. If the coating is not seriously damaged it will shine back up. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S Last edited by Alan Roehrich; 10-31-2008 at 10:13 PM.