Bill and others,
I spent quite a bit of money having the cylinders, exhaust valves,
exhaust pipes, and pistons ceramic coated on my LNC2 L360. I wanted to
have an indication of the benefit before taking apart my LIV engine to
do the ceramic treatments. Now unfortunately, it is not completely a
fair or scientific test as before the change, I had the exhaust pipes
rapped in fiberglass, removed the fiberglass and applied the ceramics.
But the cylinder head temps went up over 30 deg F and there was no
noticeable improvements for the money spent under the same operating
conditions. I speculate that the increase in cylinder head temperature
is due to radiant heating from the hot but ceramic coated exhaust
pipes. At this point I would not recommend spending the money to apply
ceramic coatings to the TSIO 550 or the IO 360. I intend to reapply the
fiberglass soon on top of the ceramic pipes and check for the changes.
The big disadvantage of the fiberglass is that the engine operation
causes the fiberglass to break off and you have little pieces of
fiberglass all over the inside of the cowl and it sticks to any little
oily spots.
For your information, Swain Techniques (585) 889-2786 was used for
the cylinders heads, valves, and pistons. JetHot (800) 432-3379 x112
was used to apply ceramics both inside and outside of the exhaust
pipes. These companies were highly recommended by a national champion
race car owner and mechanic. He felt that it did some good in his
Championship drag racer.
Jack Webb
L360, LIV
AeroSpace Engineer BSAE
FAA Designated Check airman for C421, C404 & C310
ATP, CFI Airplanes & Instruments, Multi, & Sea
Numerous Jet Type Ratings
Experienced Experimental Test Pilot both multi and single engine
aircraft
Former Chief Engineering Test Pilot for a Major Manufacturer
Chairman Turning Point of Paulding County
Ohio
billhogarty wrote:
Thinking of
having the exhaust stacks externally ceramic coated on a LNC4. Does
anyone have any opinions?
Can anyone recommend a shop to do the work? Reasonable prices would be
nice!!!
Thanks, Bill Hogarty (LNC4 paint at 82%; never again)
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