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January 23, 2023

Piper exhaust systems have a significant impact on aircraft performance and passenger safety. It keeps combustion by-products away from the engine while providing a heat source for the cabin and carburetor. However, a faulty system can cause the engine to malfunction, or worse, lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and complete engine failure.

One cannot emphasize how crucial it is to regularly inspect and maintain aircraft exhaust systems. For high-quality aircraft piper exhaust systems, turn to Acorn Welding. As the largest radial and antique aircraft exhaust repair company in Canada, we provide services to clients worldwide

Exhaust systems represent a serious threat to flight safety when they wear out. Even though exhaust systems are made of materials designed to withstand the nasty process of venting combustion by-products overboard, they inevitably wear out and must be repaired, overhauled, or replaced.

So what are your options? In this blog will briefly discuss the components of the Piper exhaust system, how to inspect them, and the most common problems you may face. Lastly, we shall also discuss your options when your exhaust system has served its purpose and is ready for disposal.

Impotence Of Aircraft Exhaust System Repair

After inspection, your aviation welding technician will discover one of three things: either the system is in working order, it requires maintenance or part replacement, or it is no longer safe to use. You might make every effort to prevent the last one. But since it is unavoidable, you must make sure to perform prompt repairs or part replacements as soon as cracks are discovered or other Aircraft Piper exhaust system defects.

According to aviation experts, prompt repairs increase the lifespan of your aircraft exhaust systems while ensuring that safety is never compromised.

Sending the exhaust system in for repair to an aviation welding technician is a good practice as an average pilot does not have the welding equipment, knowledge, or experience to do it.

Some mechanics may choose to bring their exhaust components to a nearby welding shop for repair. So when choosing an aviation welding company for repairs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a proper repair.

Read Also: Why is Regular Aircraft Maintenance So Important?

Points To Ponder When Repairing Your Aircrafts Exhaust

Not everyone has what it takes to repair an aircraft exhaust system. After all, an aircraft is not the same as a regular vehicle. A slight slip up during the repair process may cause fatal accidents. Therefore, you must ponder the following pointers when getting your exhaust system repaired

Placement

Servicing components of the Aircraft Piper exhaust system require careful arrangement. Most repairs should be done with specialized equipment so that the components are properly seated when re-installed. Failure to use proper equipment can result in misalignment, stress during installation, and damage to the part.

Thus you must ensure that the welding expert handling your aircraft exhaust has the necessary equipment.

Experience

Many welders lack the necessary expertise to handle aircraft exhaust systems. Most exhaust systems are made of Inconel, which is either 601, 625 or 321 stainless steel. These alloys are not used in many other products and most welders use them.

Even if a welder is proficient at welding stainless steel, 321 stainless steel requires a unique rod and welding method. Weak joints will result from using the wrong stick and applying the wrong method.

Thus, your chosen technician must also have profound knowledge and hands-on experience in handling aircraft exhausts besides possessing the right equipment.

Proper Cleaning

Thorough cleaning of the aircrafts parts is important and an aircraft exhaust is no exception. The exterior of exhaust system components is often contaminated with oil and other pollutants. Thus, cleaning the exterior is crucial. However, cleaning the parts from the outside is not enough.

The interior of the component is covered with carbon residue from burned fuel and fuel additives. Once the weld is initiated, the heat propagates the cracks and pulls contaminants inside the part directly into the weld puddle, weakening the weld. Therefore, components must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out before welding.

In the end, aircraft owners save money by addressing issues early on and doing frequent thorough inspections. An easy visual examination of the exhaust system should be part of every pre-flight check.

About Us

We are the largest provider of engine mounts, aviation exhausts, and welding services in Canada. Learn more about Acorn Welding.

Contact us if you want high-quality repairs or are looking for the best aviation welding professionals.