Muffler Springs

This tip is very useful, albeit simple. Muffler springs are always a source of worry and maintenance for an ultralight pilot. Hopefully this tip will simplify your life by reducing one of the worries we have while flying. The standard Rotax muffler spring is made of a high carbon spring steel which has the high possibility of rusting.  On top of that the springs are subject to temperature extremes and also abnormally high vibration patterns. This means the standard springs have a fairly short service life. This is exactly why the aftermarket people have designed alternative muffler joint holding systems that are becoming quite popular. Well there is a very simple, reliable and inexpensive alternative to this dilemma. Bombardier Ski-Doo dealers sell a high quality stainless steel muffler spring that is used on most every new Ski-Doo today. This spring will not rust, has better resistance to fracturing from vibration, and looks like new for it’s entire life. The spring is available under p/n 414-893-700 from your local Ski-Doo dealer and retails for just over 2 bucks apiece! Now it is still a good idea to add a strip of high temperature silicone to the outside of the spring to reduce resonant vibrations and also safety wire the spring through the hooks of the muffler system. With this simple update done the chance of muffler  spring going through your expensive prop is greatly reduced. Below is a  picture of this spring along side a ruler so you may compare to your needs. Happy flying and may the sun always shine and tailwinds be at your back! Gordy