Urgent Heater Muff/Exhaust Heads Up!

[chckwlsn@yahoo.com]

I just replaced one on the forward most muff.
Terry at Vans helped with the drawings it is Vans part number EX-00013C.
Will be watching it closely

[rvbuilder2002]

We have noted a lack of longevity of the heat muff end ribs and it is currently being looked at by engineering.
More info when I have it.

In the mean time, be sure to do a thorough exhaust system inspection during each condition inspection in accordance with AC43.13 Appendix D.

[JDA_BTR]

Talked with Rick Robbins. What is the diameter of the muff? If it is 2-3/4 then his endplates can work with our muff bodies.

[jeffw@sc47]

So glad to hear that Van's is looking into this.

Obviously, the most serious result of a leak from the exhaust into the heat muff would be CO poisoning. And a failure would start with a very small leak that would easily go unnoticed in its early stages unless the CO in the cockpit was being monitored.

I am nearing completion and think that I may be doing first flight in a couple of months. I'll will watch this closely and look into getting a CO monitor which now has a higher priority.

[GOFT]

Originally Posted by JDA_BTR

Talked with Rick Robbins. What is the diameter of the muff? If it is 2-3/4 then his endplates can work with our muff bodies.

Muff OD is 2-3/4".
Thanks for the lead to Rick Robbins.

[bmarvel]

Originally Posted by JDA_BTR

Talked with Rick Robbins. What is the diameter of the muff? If it is 2-3/4 then his endplates can work with our muff bodies.

I checked today. The exhaust pipe is 1 3/4 and the muff is 2 3/4. Clint at Vetterman told me Rick Robbins is pretty much retired and has closed down his web site.

As Scott posted, Van's is working on this now and if Rick can still make up end plates, it looks like we can use the existing skins. I have a call into Rick but have not heard back yet.

I'm making up some end plate doublers and clamping angles that will work in a pinch to strengthen the Van's end plates I have on order and allow them to be clamped to the exhaust pipe. It isn't elegant but should work if I cannot get something better from Rick Robbins or Van's. I'm AOG now and neither I nor my airplane like that!

[JHartline]

Bill, did Clint mention where he’s getting his heat muffs from if Rick is retired?

[bmarvel]

Originally Posted by JHartline

Bill, did Clint mention where he’s getting his heat muffs from if Rick is retired?

No, but I never asked him either. Clearly, he needs a supplier. He did read this thread so maybe he'll pop up with an answer to that question.

[JHartline]

Jeffw@sc47 - check your PM’s

[jeffw@sc47]

Thanks, looks like a good option.

I went ahead and bought a Klein Tools CO Meter - ET110 to try before I put in a mounted unit. The ET110 is nice because it displays the PPM, uses 4-AAA batteries, a clip on the back side to hang it somewhere, has a 2 yr warranty and the sensor can be expected to go for 5 years before replacement - current cost to update sensor is $50.

I had not come across the GD-40 in previous searching, I like its features, price, and that it is mounted remotely.