Exhaust- New or Repair?

[mikerice]

Our BC12D with A75 has a small hole in the stock Tcraft down pipe. It can be patched, but we are looking at replacing the exhaust.

What is the consensus on replacement with Wag-Aero Taylorcraft exhaust and keep the old muff or the Luscombe exhaust with new heat muffs? Looks like the Luscombe setup might be cheaper, and only a 2nd hole need be added to the cowl.

Any comments on the heat difference between the Taylorcraft and Luscombe heater exchangers?

Anyone have any good Tcraft exhausts they want to sell?

[waltermrich]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Thanks for bringing this topic to the Forum, I will probably some day need to replace my exhaust, and the Luscombe exhaust seems like a logical replacement for the Taylorcraft exhaust with its tight and difficult access. Paper work questions should I buy the STC? Stainless or mild steel? Total cost ? Hope to hear from some one. Thanks

[Robert Lees]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Is there an issue with having a batch made under Owner-produced parts?

I had a few stainless ones made about 20 years ago for the UK fleet, and they're all operating fine.

The Luscombe scenario will make it sound like...well, a Luscombe (or an Aeronca), and that loses some of the Taylorcraft's appeal.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

The Luscombe set up is easier to maintain. Much simpler to check under the muff. We all do that every 25 hours... Right?
The price of a heat muff is better too.

Terry B owns the STC.

But then again, if you are purist, you stay original.

Your call!

[Mark Bowden]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Dad put on the Taylorcraft stainless steel exhaust in 1999 when she was restored. It is still in very good shape with good fit and welds, including the heat muff. I'll dig through the paperwork and find out where it was sourced from. The tail pipe just gets a scotch-brite rub every so often and it stays a nice clean light gold. Annual flying use has been 65-100 hrs/yr.

The heater is typical of light planes, it roasts your feet and warms the cabin some. I have to change the oil this weekend I'll post some photos of fit and appearance. I like the Taylorcraft exhaust note sound.

[M Towsley]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

There was a guy, (In Florida?), many years ago doing stainless. I would be tempted to go stainless if the opportunity came up.

[astjp2]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Just contact Dawley, best money spent and PMA approved

[M Towsley]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Dawley Aviation, Tim?

Their website is down at the moment, www.dawleyaviation.com

[astjp2]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Yes, I bought new exhaust for my airplane from them in 2008, good money spent, one of the nicest exhausts I have seen, Wag is garbage compare to them. Tim

[M Towsley]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

I just got off of the phone with Curt at Dawley Aviation, 1-800-338-5420. Great guy to talk to and obviously knows what he is doing.

Costs are as follows for stainless, $1,421.00 if they use your heat muff 'cones', (the front part where the heat muff clamps around), or $1,660 if he has to make them. Downtime is about one month, best done during the winter months for us folks who have a winter. He would like your old exhaust, both for the 'cones' as well as other minor nuances of each engine/exhaust combo.

[mikerice]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

I called Dawley as well and I will send in our old exhaust for evaluation or possible repair. Our Tcraft heat muff is looking pretty shabby and does not fit well. Where have people gotten replacements as Dawley does not make them. I really dont want to have Dawley fab a new exhaust with our old muff as a template.

[astjp2]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

Check Univair but expect to pay through the nose. You can also check the guys that do engine mounts, exhausts and air boxes in Canada, they may have a muff, but I don't like their quality. Tim

acorn welding....

[3Dreaming]

Re: Exhaust- New or Repair?

There was a fellow who stamped some. I think he was providing some to one of the exhaust repair places. You might check with Aerospace Welding in MN., at least I think that was the company. Who ever it was will also will repair you old exhaust using stainless.