Welding shop needed for muffler

[74657]

Guys,

We found a few cracked welds on my muffler and sent it out to Knisley for quotation.  I was less than delighted to get the quotation...... 1200 to 1800.  The crack is at the junction of the muffler box and inlet.  To weld it up the end cap needs to be removed.  To me, it seems like no big deal, especially for a muffler.  Dont these things "typically" cost around 1K brand new?  Rocket wants 3500 bucks for a new one.  I guess this is one of the downsides of owning an aircraft with a major STC......

I know I can't just take it to any welding shop for repair and need to send it to an approved welder.  Any help would be appreciated.

Pics...

 

 

[Cris]

Dupl

[Cris]

Quote: Cris

I know I can't just take it to any welding shop for repair and need to send it to an approved welder.  Any help would be appreciated.

Why not? It's just welding. So long as your A&P signs it off. That's what I've done in the past. 

[Sabremech]

You might give Dawley in Burlington WI a try. They do nothing but aircraft exhaust systems. 

[N9937c]

Looks like an approved weider has allready had a go at it and didnt fare that well

larry

[kerry]

dawley aviation just redone my exhaust system.  $1300.  It's basiclly a new system.  They made me a new muffler and one header from scratch, also a new tail pipe.  I'd send your pics and get quote.    

 

[Piloto]

Try Plane Exhaust at KFXE http://www.planexhaust.net/

I have used them before with very reasonable prices, good quality and quick turn around.

 

José

[KSMooniac]

I bought a new Knisley muffler for my regular J a couple years ago for ~$500.  Unfortunately I don't remember the source, but it was a shop on the east coast... perhaps one of the Carolinas.  I can't imagine it being much different from the Missile muffler, but perhaps it is a unique one.

[MARZ]

Quote: Sabremech

You might give Dawley in Burlington WI a try. They do nothing but aircraft exhaust systems. 

[jetdriven]

Seriously.  A J muffler is way under a grand, new. Can a Rocket muffler cost that much more?   Have you tried aerospace welding inc? 

[74657]

Knisley wanted 1800.  Rocket (doesn't even make the part) wants 3500 for a new one.  Piloto's shop said to send it down, they will yellow tag it with a fresh overhaul for 750.  No B.S.  When people give me a range of 1000 bucks it tells me 1 of 2 things are happening, they are trying to get into my pocket OR they don't know how to quote a job.  It's a muffler.....stainless steel and welding rod, definately NOT brain surgery.  Dawley was very responsive but again, 200 bucks to 1700. 

[Clarence]

Looks like time for a more thorough inspection program on the exhaust system.

Clarence