The International Cessna 170 Association

I always get a small bit of exhaust leakage around the joint where the muffler attaches to the exhaust stack. The leak comes around the clamps and deposits white/brown/black soot in the area. From my reading it sounds like there is a small amount to be expected and it’s normal. Is there anything I could do to eliminate it? Too bad there is not some sort of wrap that could go around that area.

I pretty much stopped that leakage by wrapping the joint before installing the clamp with stainless-steel foil purchased from True Value's aviation (hobby) section. It's lasted for 5 years now.

Thanks George. That’s similar to what I was thinking could help. It wasn’t the kind with adhesive was it?

Fireplace gasket glue/seal under the clamps is also effective.

nippaero wrote:Thanks George. That’s similar to what I was thinking could help. It wasn’t the kind with adhesive was it?

I'm presuming you are speaking of aluminum-tape such as painters use..? .... No..that wouldn't stand up to the heat. The stainless-steel foil works great. I used only one & one/half wrap of it to allow the clamps to still fit. It comes 12" wide X 2' Long, rolled up into a clear, plastic tube. Hobby shops may also carry it, but I found it at the local hardware.

I use "muffler tape" that you can buy at your local auto parts store. Only two tight wraps before you put the clamp on, and it sort of "melts" into a leak-proof seal.

Joe

A dozen years or so ago I also used muffler tape. But I found it did not last long and was difficult to clean-up when the parts were later disassembled. Brand selected may have something to do with that experience. (I used "Wagner" red muffler tape, found at AutoZone. The stainless steel foil is indestructible.)