MEP831 muffler crack

[DieselAddict]

I started up the 831 yesterday to charge batteries and noticed some soot coming out of the gap in the insulation wrap between the exhaust tube leaving the engine and the main muffler body. Pulled back the jacket as much as I could and noticed a crack radiating out from the welded fitting.

I'll get the insulation off the muffler and shoot some photos of the crack and the repair.

Anyone else seen muffler cracks on a MEP831s?

 

[AfghanVeteran2010]

Ya I have seen this a few times, are the muffler mounting bolts missing or lose? If those are missing or lose the metal will fatigue and break, I usually make it a point to check the muffler in detail before I run mine.

 

[DieselAddict]

Thanks for info. I will check those for sure as I work on the repair.

 

[Guyfang]

I saw a few, just before I stopped contracting. And yes, like Afganvet wrote, always loose mounting bolts.

 

[DieselAddict]

Yep, you guys called it 100%. One screw loose and one missing.

 

[DieselAddict]

A cheap borescope is a worthwhile purchase!

I was able to find the missing bolt. The bad news is it was snapped off and not just backed out. The repair just got a bit more complicated.

 

[AfghanVeteran2010]

Oh man fun times ahead, center punch and a easy out is how I fixed this on mine.