Date:         Mon, 8 Aug 2005 15:56:49 -0700
Reply-To:     Malcolm Stebbins <mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Malcolm Stebbins <mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Broken Stebro Muffler Bracket / Malcolm's trip
In-Reply-To:  <6514225.1123524359394.JavaMail.root@elwamui-darkeyed.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

--- Joseph Fortino <fortino1@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:

> I had a bracket welded from the end tip to the frame, bolted right up to the frame. seems solid
> at this point.

I have been told that attaching the exhaust pipes, or the muffler or the tail pipe to the FRAME is
NOT a good idea, as the engine vibrates upon startup, and at idle, & while running, all
DIFFERENTLY than the frame vibrates, so it is just a matter if time before some part of the
exhaust system will break.  The design is to have the exhaust system bolted to the engine so they
can vibrate as a unit.

Secondly, re Tabe Johnson's questions;  I did get about 2 years out of the fiber doughnut thingy,
but then I only drive the van about 2 months each summer.  It is now sounding a bit throaty and I
will replace it when I replace the muffler.  I do have a metal doughnut that I will try.

FWIW, actually BOTH brackets broke on the Stebro and I had them welded just prior to my trip (as I
did not have time for a replacement), hoping to make it though this trip, but ONE bracket came
adrift again, and I used a coat hanger to try and keep the muffler from bouncing around too much
and breaking the second weld and, seemingly, I was successful.  Yes, Stebro will replace the
muffler, BUT IMHO paying SO MUCH for a muffler that breaks and that then costs me a weld job and
either the PITA of taking it off and on myself, or my mechanic's wages to do it for me, plus
shipping costs, is NOT a good recommendation for Stebro.

I will wait till after this autumn's camping trip then send it to Stebro for a replacement.
Malcolm



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