exhaust ball joint

[jjconstant]

In trying to ensure that there is no contact between the exhaust pipes and either the engine mount or the cowl I decided to rotate the pipes to a better geometry. This meant redoing the rubber tube exhaust hangers. There are a bear to get off after they've been heated and in the process of repositioning the exhaust to get better access I moved it to the point where the ball joint was at its maximum travel. I didn't realize it but this allows part of the joint to gape and with surprisingly little extra (inadvertant) force, the ball joint separated. Surprised the heck out of me!

I removed the exhaust from #1 and #3 cylinders, placed it on the floor and took the socket part of the exhaust that had become dislocated and pushed it back over the ball part.

It feels firm but I need to know whether it is junk or whether it's usable after it has been apart and back together again.

Any experience with this out there? I will call or email Vetterman on Monday, but if this is a non-issue or a BIG DEAL do not fly issue it would be good to know now.

Thanks

Jeremy Constant

[docskj]

I had the same thing happen. Just pushed it together and installed it. I did makes sure there were no cracks or deformities. I assumed they were pushed together at assembly. I hope you don't find out this is a bad thing from Vetterman. I expect my first flight this month.

[f1rocket]

Should be fine. FYI, you should treat these joints with Mink oil or the equivalent to keep them freely moving. Problems start happening when they get too tight and/or freeze up.

[Bill Dicus]

AFS has "mouse milk" for that purpose - what a name......