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The Choice of Material Forms the Foundation of Small Engine Mufflers
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The exhaust system on your equipment is a tiny portion of the overall machine, yet if it doesn’t function as it should or if it fails in service, the symptoms are immediately noticeable.
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A large portion of service failures are due to degradation of the materials in the muffler.
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Up until the late 1990′s, most small engine exhaust products were made from Mild Steel, which is a very inexpensive commodity. When used in light-duty applications, this material may well suffice, with low annual hourly use and non-demanding applications.
But when used on severe-duty equipment (commercial turf products, landscape mowers, construction products), degradation of the mild steel internals and muffler bodies can lead to failure in just a few short hours often in less than 100 hours of operation. As well, mild steel exhaust products oxidize very quickly when exposed to moisture, chemicals and the heat of the combustion gases. Typically, painting the complete system was a requirement, not an option, in order to maintain the appearance of the system components. Painting the external surfaces, however, does not prevent thermal failure of the internals.
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Material Options Available for Exhaust Products
The most commonly available exhaust system materials are:
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Mild Steel: low cost, limited life
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Stainless Steel: high cost, but an unlimited effective service life
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Aluminized Steel: an excellent compromise incorporating durability with moderate cost.
In both Stainless Steel and Aluminized Steel, several grades are available, each with distinct benefits. Stainless Steel exhaust components are commonly made with 409 Stainless Steel.
Aluminized Steel offers far superior properties and durability than Mild Steel, with various grades available. Aluminized Steel Type 1 is an excellent heat resistant material effective to at least 1,250 F. Surface rust is reduced or eliminated, so that full muffler paint finishes are not required adding to the long term maintenance of the muffler appearance. Most important is that fact that aluminized steel can be welded using MIG welding and only assembly weld joints need to be paint-finished to keep rust to a minimum.
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All of the muffler products from Silent Exhaust Systems are fabricated from Aluminized T125 Steel.
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