Chrome vs Mild Steel exhausts for A65

[SCRed]

Thank you, gentlemen, for your kind replies to my previous question regarding the Millennium Cylinders. I do, however, have one more question. I also need to replace the exhaust system on my BC12D. I have ordered a new muff from Univar. And, I have been advised by some airport old timers to have a new "repaired" exhaust manifold created out of stainless steel. They say stainless is more durable and will last longer than the mild steel versions available off the shelf from Wag-Aero. Does anyone have personal experience with stainless exhausts on a Continental A65? Will the extra expense of the stainless steel in your experience give me a more durable exhaust than one made out of mild steel? Or, am I setting myself up for other problems if I do this?

[VictorBravo]

Re: Chrome vs Mild Steel exhausts for A65

I have the stainless repaired exhaust. It was put on by the previous owner. I strongly believe it is a worthwhile improvement. The Taylorcraft is SUPPOSED to be subject to a repetitive 25 hour inspection of the exhaust, which is a big pain in the butt to do. As such it OFTEN does not get done on schedule. The stainless exhaust will be less subject to corrosion, and thus less chance of a carbon monoxide problem. I believe it will be very well worth the extra money. That being said, the one piece original Taylorcraft exhaust design is a nightmare in general. Try removing one without taking the engine off it's mount...

[selje]

Re: Chrome vs Mild Steel exhausts for A65

Stainless steel exhaust is a good investment because of the 25 hr inspection requirement on the mild steel one. Less chance of CO poisoning. Would not want to change back.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Chrome vs Mild Steel exhausts for A65

We had three or four exhausts made in stainless by a local approved welder, using an original as a pattern [owner-produced parts, you see!] for a selection of B models we had at our field.

Previous to this, we had all regularly had to remove the old mild steel ones for weld repairs...and had in fact modified the mild steel ones with a flange down the "back straight" so that each side could be removed independently.

We had the same flange on the new stainless ones, and after a combined total of many thousands of hours, there has never been any problem, so if I were to get new ones made again, I would not bother with the joint.

Photo here

Hope this helps.

Rob