another exhaust question

[Tom G]

I've been making some calls today to try and find a new exhaust system. Wag Aero has a mild steel version for $496. I just can't see going with a system that will need to be replaced again given the amount of work it is to do this job. I spoke to a nice fellow named John at Aerospace Welding in Minneapolis. He claims he can make me a stainless system if I send him mine. Turnaround time about 4 days after he gets my old system. He mentioned that since stainless is not on the type certificate for the airplane I'll need to fill out a form for an "owner produced part" he claims this is easier than a 337. Its amazing that to actually improve a part you would still have to do this. The only difference is the material it is made out of. Anyway, he also mentioned that the price would be $750 or $950 depending on if the system had what he called "cuffs" I didn't quite understand what he meant by that. Anybody know what a "cuff" is?

[Marv]

Re: another exhaust question

You may want to make sure what stainless you need.True stainless does not rust, however some will crack with heat, cold, and vibration. Marv

[robbie]

Re: another exhaust question

The cuffs are where the outside air is ducted into the heat muff. there are two, one on each side.

[dedrekon]

Re: another exhaust question

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I just got my stainless exhaust from Sonny Poarch in Florida....took a LONG time to get it and the heat shrouds muffs weren't lined up right even though I DID send him my old exhaust as a pattern. On the other hand the price was right ($550) and it does come with a split so you don't have to pull the engine.
I spent most of today working on the right hand cuff and I think I'm just about ready to bolt everything up. It truly IS an owner produced part under the regulations outlining them and my IA also believes this is a simpler route than the 337.
Aerospace Welding quoted me considerably more than $950, as did the place Forrest recommends (can't remember their name right now).

Sonny's website: flyoldplanes.com

Vincent

[Tom G]

Re: another exhaust question

Vince, if you didn't have to pull your engine how did you get the old one out? did you send it to him in several pieces?

[dedrekon]

Re: another exhaust question

Yes.....I cut it in two after talking to him. He said he would just tack it together and use it as a pattern.
I know he's done at least several BC12D exhausts, notably one for our own Yellow Duck.....who has some excellent pictures of it on his web page.

I didn't really mind working on mine today....the best welder I know lives on the Oregon Coast, so I flew the Stinson down and he did most of the work. My heat shroud is almost shot also, but I don't feel like coughing up $750 for it as well, so I worked it over too.

It's a beautiful day here, mid 70s and just enough breeze to keep us nice and cool. I flew into Pacific City, a little 1800 ft strip (it's about 5 ft wide) that's right on the beach....one of my favorite spots.


Vincent

[Tom G]

Re: another exhaust question

Thanks Vince, I'm going to talk to him today. I'll let you know know how things go.

[Tom G]

Re: another exhaust question

Vince: you mentioned that it took a long time to get your system from Sonny. Just how long was that? I put a call in to him today and hope to hear back from him soon. I know the place in Minneapolis is about 400 more but he told me he could have it out to me in 4 days. I'm just concerned about the time involved and the work in putting it in. I wouldn't be so concerned if this was winter, but I want to get this thing back in the air.

I hope all went well for you today! Thanks!

[dedrekon]

Re: another exhaust question

Tom,
It took nearly two months to get it back. I missed the Taylorcraft Rendevous in Columbia waiting for it. I was quoted a two week turn around....and the only reason he said it would take two weeks was because it fell during Sun N Fun.
I would definitely try to pin him down on the time if you need it back.

V

[AlvinMcIver]

Re: another exhaust question

Tom G:
I'm in Minneapolis. If you believe that I can be of any assistance in dealing with Aerospace Welding (should you decide to go with them), let me know.
Alan

[Tom G]

Re: another exhaust question

Alan, thanks very much for your offer. I'm beginning to wonder if I'd be better off just going with mild steel again since the process of getting it is easier and the time involved is much less. I like the idea of stainless since it avoids having to replace the system again but the mild steel taken care of will probably last me another 6-10 years anyway. By then I'll be retired and have the time to deal with it. And if it were December rather than June I'd probably be more patient but right now I just want to get flying again.

Thanks again!