Tailpipe support failure

[rodsmith]

I pulled my cowling off at 31.5 hours to change from the break in oil to Phillips Victory. Found that one of the stainless tubes supporting the tailpipes had totally failed where it was flattened and bent. . Checked the other three connections and no sign of cracking yet. This one was connected to the engine with one of the rear sump bolts, as is the other side. Materials were supplied by Clint with the exhaust system and I used Van's method of attachment. The muffler and tail pipe had not dropped or I would have been more likely to find it. I have some left over aluminum 3/8th 5050-0. Think I will try that, doesn't seem to be a point in replacing the stainless tube. Somehow I had missed this while checking over the engine through the cowl doors after every flight. Shows the importance of pulling the cowling off periodically. There is a surprising amount of stuff you can't see through the cowling doors.

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[gregc]

If you don’t want to use stainless, I would go to 4130. I don’t think aluminum will hold up.

[alaskabearhawk]

FWIW, this is how I attached my exhaust mounts to the engine.

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[rodsmith]

Thanks Paul, a much better way to do it!