Topic: what is the point of silicon spray when wrapping headers

[xsmooth69x]

what is the point of silicon spray when wrapping headers?

is it just to keep the wrap clean?

i want to use a tan wrap but let it get dirty so would i need to silicon spray?

[Toxic]

No Idea about the silicon spray, seems like it would attract dirt more than anything.

You soak the wrap in water to soften it up before start wrapping.  A 50% has worked best for me.  Go slow and use a stainless steel hose clamp at the start and at the finish.

[xsmooth69x]

No Idea about the silicon spray, seems like it would attract dirt more than anything.

You soak the wrap in water to soften it up before start wrapping.  A 50% has worked best for me.  Go slow and use a stainless steel hose clamp at the start and at the finish.

ya this is the spray im talking about. in the over priced header wrap kits they come with this.... idk what it does.....

ya i know to soak the wrap in warm water buttttttt what does "50% has worked for you"  mean?

like you only soaked half the wrap?
50% of the time soaking the wrap works?
the wrap is 50%?

[singedebile]

I would think it would help keep water out (maybe this is wishful thinking)? or maybe in (not good)?  if it does infact keep the water out it could help prevent your pipes from rusting.

If its just there to keep it cleaner then leave it be,

[wannabridin]

i've used it on my '01 spirit 750 with my wrapped pipes.  had the pipes wrapped for about 4 years now.  i put black wrap on, but when i got too close to the pipes with the pressure washer once, i learned that there's just a dye in the wrap and had some scraggly looking pipes afterwards.  read about this stuff and decided to give it a shot and it made the wrap nice and black again afterwards.  this was awhile ago and the wrap has faded some from exposure, but it works quite well for bringing the color back to the wrapping on pipes.  as for heat retention, i have no clue, as i don't think it helps out at all there...

[wannabridin]

the whole point for soaking them is to make the wrap easier to handle and prevent as many fiberglass splinters (which hurt like HELL!!)  it also helps the wrap stick to itself so you can get a REALLY tight job done.

i soaked the whole wrap in water for about 30 minutes before putting it on.  i had a buddy hold one end (can be done by yourself fairly easily though) while i started things and i just made sure to do about a 3/8"-1/2" overlap between wraps.  i pulled on it as hard as i could while wrapping and after it was done and re-installed, fired the bike up immediately to get the water out and make sure there was nothing wrong.

just my $.02

[xsmooth69x]

the whole point for soaking them is to make the wrap easier to handle and prevent as many fiberglass splinters (which hurt like HELL!!)  it also helps the wrap stick to itself so you can get a REALLY tight job done.

i soaked the whole wrap in water for about 30 minutes before putting it on.  i had a buddy hold one end (can be done by yourself fairly easily though) while i started things and i just made sure to do about a 3/8"-1/2" overlap between wraps.  i pulled on it as hard as i could while wrapping and after it was done and re-installed, fired the bike up immediately to get the water out and make sure there was nothing wrong.

just my $.02

ya i read about the good soak before working with this stuff too and to wear nice thick gloves. i was just confused about the previous post with the 50% thing.

ya i think the spray is just a cosmetic thing to keep the warp looking fresh. i didnt know if there was anything else and i know someone on here had some experience with the stuff

[wannabridin]

it might help a little with water repellancy, but other than that, cosmetics for sure...