Steel or Cast Iron?

Question

Hi All,I'd like to get the group's thoughts on a slightly off-topic question.I'm in the process of rebuilding my small tractor.  I have installed anew engine that came with a very nice muffler.  The muffler needs torotate around a bit, to clear the front loader gear.I have cut off the muffler to cylinder head flange, with the idea ofrotating it and having it welded at the muffler shop.The original flange is the simple two bolt "oval" style common onsmall engines and it is made out of cast iron.  I think that making anew flange that is thicker, hence sturdier,  and nicer looking wouldbe just the ticket.Question:  Can I use mild steel for the new flange?  Will it rust outquickly or cause other problems?Thanks for your time,Steven HarrisEverson, WA

Ted Edwards · Accepted Answer

I would use steel.  Cast iron is cheaper for shapes if you are talkingquantity (10,000?).  That's why the original was cast.Ted

Tom Gardner · Answer

I was with you right up to:  "and nicer looking".  Anything that works wellhas it's own beauty.

Backlash · Answer

It will work just fine. I made a header for one of my Cub Cadets out of a Suzuki four stroke bike exhaust, and made my flange. Made the super-tight bend by cutting the pipe every 1/8", bending, then tigging it up as I went. Ground it smooth.It came out pretty nice, and is a whole lot quieter.

RJ

Steven · Answer

Thanks guys!I'll just stop this milling around and forge ahead...Steven

larry g · Answer

I would suspect that if you make it from steel that you may only get 15-20years out of it before it rusts away. ;-)lgno neat sig line

Roy J · Answer

Go ahead and make it out of steel. Stick the tube THROUGH the flange, weld on the ENGINE side, then grind it smooth.Steven wrote:

Ted Edwards · Answer

Hmmmm.  Why?Ted

Roy J · Answer

Much easier to get a good weld if you do it on the inside. If you can roll a nice bead between .065" tube and 1/4" plate (not easy to avoid burning holes!), then the outside is preferred. This way, the warpage tends to pull the ears away from the engine block, helps to seal things better.Ted Edwards wrote:

Backlash · Answer

In some cases the weld bead will interfere with the bolts on an externalflange weld.RJ

Steven · Answer

Roy,I'm going to have the muffler shop apply the weld on the muffler side,as that is what they prefer.  Should I also weld up the engine sidetoo?What paint/coating should I follow up with, if any?-=- Steven Harris

Grant Erwin · Answer

I once replaced a Y-pipe on a Ford Thunderbird. I painted the new one with hi-temp paint like you'd use on a barbecue. Seven years later it hadn't rusted. Many people told me it couldn't be done. YMMV.

Grant

Steven wrote:

Steel or Cast Iron?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?