Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

[iwombat]

This is for a crossflow v-4. It's got some deteriorating foam under the cowl. Now, I know this is primarily for sound-deadening. Is it worth it to replace the foam, or does it really do all that much for noise reduction?

If replacement is in order what to replace it with? I was thinking the same thing one would use in an auto - the mylar foil encased bubbles.

Ideas?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

Went through the same thing myself last summer.

Before any maintainence would have to blow off the motor due to the deteriorating foam crumbling apart. Stripped it, hoping I would not notice a difference, but sadly I did. Or at least I thought I did The human mind can do crazy things. I found a hardening spray on insulation that seems to work.

I have also heard, but not tried, Glueing "Flat Stuff" in and fill the gaps with "Great Stuff". Being careful not to plug any vent holes. Then form the great stuff while it's expanding with a putty knife sprayed with silicon.

I believe rubber is the best option. It is fire retardant, and will not soak up flammables.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

The kit to replace it is available - powerheadkit. com for example. I found a contact adhesive at J C Whitney that would actually keep it in place.

Heat shield adhesive"http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010476/p-2010476/N-111+10201+600002669/c-10101"

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I find the stuff is a huge nuisance because it looks like hell when dirty and sheds into the carburetors when it breaks down. I now scrape it off with single edged razor blades. As far as sound, I cannot tell the difference.

http://www.powerheadkit.com/Gaskets_V4xflow.htm

At $25 + glue it really is just a matter of choice, and certainly not taste.

Heat shield adhesive"http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010476/p-2010476/N-111+10201+600002669/c-10101"

 

[guy74]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

I have two different covers for my 60 hp johnson, one is the original 1988 model, the other is one off a 72 Evinrude. The Evinrude has alot more foam coverage inside, the later Johnson cover has large places without foam. Everyone on my boat can tell a big difference between the noise levels of each cover, the older Evinrude cover with the whole inside covered with foam is much quieter with the motor running at 6000 rpm.

 

[mtsumedi]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

Do a Yahoo search for Dynamat and then check out their Dynmat Xtreme. I plan on using some of that in my 60hp 'Rude.

 

[burroak]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

Check J C Whitney or other auto restoration supplier. The aluminum foil faced sound deadener put beneath car carpeting is a good material.

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

My cowl had no OEM insulation so I added some foil lined insulation with 3m spray on adhesive. (Use the heavy duty spray) . I remember a statement that it does not absorb water. I noticed a significant difference in noise level.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

Thanks for the ideas all. I'll letcha all know what I come up with. For now, I still have to sand, paint and put on a new lower pan seal and decals.

 

[mtsumedi]

Re: Cowl Foam - Replace or just remove?

Check J C Whitney or other auto restoration supplier. The aluminum foil faced sound deadener put beneath car carpeting is a good material.

That stuff is probably a much more inexpensive way to do this rather than using the Dynamat brand. Good info. Thanks.