MufflerMod

EXHAUST MODIFICATION

By Norm Solari

After I assembled my tractor and Front End Loader, I discovered that the stock exhaust pipe directed the hot exhaust gas directly at the FEL hydraulic lines when the bucket was raised. The factory exhaust exits 18 inches above the weld line that connects the upper exhaust pipe to the muffler. I felt that this needed to be corrected otherwise problems could result. As with most of my modifications, I wanted to keep it as simple as possible.

After taking some critical measurements, I set out to re-direct the exhaust. I removed the exhaust pipe/muffler combination from the tractor and cut the pipe roughly 9 inches above the weld line connecting the upper exhaust pipe to the muffler. This cut off the upper part that is angled outward toward the lift arm of the FEL. I then reinstalled the system onto the tractor (See below picture). I then went to an auto supply center (Pep Boys) and purchased a piece of thin wall exhaust pipe extension which was 2 inches outside diameter. Thin wall pipe has a 1/16 inch thick wall. I specify "Thin Wall" because a muffler shop usually has pipe with a thicker wall and it wouldn't work for my purposes. I bought a piece 36 inches long and cut it to 24 inches in length because I wanted to keep the exhaust short enough to fit under low overhangs. The thin wall 2 inch OD pipe fits perfectly over the factory pipe so there is no need to weld it or to fasten it with sheet metal screws.

I slid the 2 inch pipe over the factory pipe which resulted in the exhaust being directed straight up at a height 6 inches taller than the stock angled pipe. This effectively directed the exhaust up and away from the FEL lift arm. To protect the inside of the pipe from rain and other debris when the engine is not running, I installed a "Flip up" weather cap which I purchased at NAPA (NAPA # 703-1522). This cap opens and closes automatically depending on whether or not the engine is running. I photographed the project before painting the exhaust pipe with heat resistant flat black paint so that the new pipe would show better in the photos.

The only problem I've encountered is a very minor one. I have a JM JL/20 FEL. Because of the way the lines are routed to the tilt cylinders on the bucket, when the bucket is raised all the way to its highest extension, the flexible line for the right cylinder is positioned directly above the exhaust. I consider this a very minor inconvenience because I avoid raising the bucket to its maximum unless it is absolutely necessary and, even then, I won't leave it there for more than a few seconds. I don't know if this would be a problem with a Koyker FEL.

One other bit of information: For exhaust flange gaskets, NAPA # F-5645 is virtually identical to the factory supplied gasket and works perfectly.

As with any project, there are many different ways of accomplishing the same goal. Taller exhaust pipe could be welded and/or the exhaust could be directed differently from the way I directed mine.

As always, if the there any questions or comments, please email me directly at: ranchsol@hotmail.com

Norm S.



					EXHAUST MODIFICATION By Norm Solari

	After I assembled my tractor and Front End Loader, I discovered that the stock exhaust pipe directed the hot exhaust gas directly at the FEL hydraulic lines when the bucket was raised. The factory exhaust exits 18 inches above the weld line that connects the upper exhaust pipe to the muffler. I felt that this needed to be corrected otherwise problems could result. As with most of my modifications, I wanted to keep it as simple as possible.





	After taking some critical measurements, I set out to re-direct the exhaust. I removed the exhaust pipe/muffler combination from the tractor and cut the pipe roughly 9 inches above the weld line connecting the upper exhaust pipe to the muffler. This cut off the upper part that is angled outward toward the lift arm of the FEL. I then reinstalled the system onto the tractor (See below picture). I then went to an auto supply center (Pep Boys) and purchased a piece of thin wall exhaust pipe extension which was 2 inches outside diameter. Thin wall pipe has a 1/16 inch thick wall. I specify "Thin Wall" because a muffler shop usually has pipe with a thicker wall and it wouldn't work for my purposes. I bought a piece 36 inches long and cut it to 24 inches in length because I wanted to keep the exhaust short enough to fit under low overhangs. The thin wall 2 inch OD pipe fits perfectly over the factory pipe so there is no need to weld it or to fasten it with sheet metal screws. I slid the 2 inch pipe over the factory pipe which resulted in the exhaust being directed straight up at a height 6 inches taller than the stock angled pipe. This effectively directed the exhaust up and away from the FEL lift arm. To protect the inside of the pipe from rain and other debris when the engine is not running, I installed a "Flip up" weather cap which I purchased at NAPA (NAPA # 703-1522). This cap opens and closes automatically depending on whether or not the engine is running. I photographed the project before painting the exhaust pipe with heat resistant flat black paint so that the new pipe would show better in the photos.



	The only problem I've encountered is a very minor one. I have a JM JL/20 FEL. Because of the way the lines are routed to the tilt cylinders on the bucket, when the bucket is raised all the way to its highest extension, the flexible line for the right cylinder is positioned directly above the exhaust. I consider this a very minor inconvenience because I avoid raising the bucket to its maximum unless it is absolutely necessary and, even then, I won't leave it there for more than a few seconds. I don't know if this would be a problem with a Koyker FEL. One other bit of information: For exhaust flange gaskets, NAPA # F-5645 is virtually identical to the factory supplied gasket and works perfectly. As with any project, there are many different ways of accomplishing the same goal. Taller exhaust pipe could be welded and/or the exhaust could be directed differently from the way I directed mine. As always, if the there any questions or comments, please email me directly at: ranchsol@hotmail.com Norm S.