To wrap, or not to wrap, that is the exhaust?

[Stagless Steve]

The previous owner of my Stag wrapped the exhaust manifolds and down pipes in fibre glass tape. The right hand down pipe keeps getting oil on it, not sure where from, and causes smoking. So, I am thinking of removing the oil soaked wrapping from that part of the exhaust. My question is, should I replace the wrapping or leave it off?
TIA
Steve

[wilf]

Leave it off. I found that it accelerates corrosion of the exhaust.

[Lingen]

Steve. I agree-leave it off. The oil leak is probably from the "D" rubber seal at the back end of the cam cover, or perhaps associated with the oil pump/pressure switch. Wipe away any leaks and then run the engine for a while. You should be able to see where it is coming from.
Mike.

[Stagless Steve]

Thanks guys.

[mike@thenook]

Steve,

The leak I am sure will be coming from the RH cam cover rear, I had the same problem recently. Use new cork gaskets and blue Hylomar on both sides of the gasket but not too much so that you end up with it getting into the oil.

Cheers

Mike

[jakesmig]

I've got stainless headers and always wrap them, both in the Midget and Stag. Been that way for 25 and 18 years respectively. The drop in underbonnet heat is certainly worth the effort in my opinion, and there appears to be less underbonnet noise.

John

[DJT]

I've had Phoenix stainless manifolds for the past 10 years (33,000 miles). They are not wrapped and under bonnet temperatures and noise are fine. Still have an efficient VC fitted with original fan. No overheating, or signs of heat damage to wiring, paintwork, etc. Wrapping and/or ceramic coating is a total waste of money, IMO.

[Stagless Steve]

Steve,

The leak I am sure will be coming from the RH cam cover rear, I had the same problem recently. Use new cork gaskets and blue Hylomar on both sides of the gasket but not too much so that you end up with it getting into the oil.

Cheers

Mike

Thanks Mike. I replaced the gasket and used hylomar blue. Perhaps I need to check the tightness of the cam cover screws.

[wilf]

Also, if you take the cam cover off again, see if it is "flat" as overtightening of the securing screws can give them a bit of a "banana" shape, then the rear end will never seal.