Does anyone know of a shop who can overhaul a inconel exhaust system for a T303 Crusader? It's a LTSIO-520 but with only 2 stud exhaust flanges. Odd compared to a normal IO-520. With the parallel valve cylinders I don't think a normal jig would work.

The system is in good shape as removed but I see the requirement for exhaust system overhaul in the TCM SB97-6B

Have you tried AWI?
Aerospace Welding Inc in Minnesota.

Maybe these guys?
https://planexhaust.com/product-categor ... -crusader/

You can try acorn welding in ontario, canada.

Thanks I guess I should have worded that better. I was searching but it was coming up with the individual parts for sale. Missed the overhaul service listing. I've used Acorn before for radial engine systems. AWI for new parts.

We used to get systems overhauled but when the price of new seemed to come down a few years ago and mainly having small non turbo airplanes in the shop I have not used overhauled parts for a long time. With this system the replacement cost is so high it does not make sense to install new.

Reading descriptions I'm not sure if the new parts being made are Inconel other than bellows for turbo exhaust if installed. Or just normal stainless. Trying to keep our system if it will pass instead of a new system reusing some tabs and flanges to make up an "Overhauled" system.

Will make some calls tomorrow.

Hi Charlie,

My understanding is that there are no approved exhaust parts other than the original factory p/n in inconel. I believe Acorne is the only shop that can fabricate new components because they’re the only ones who have the proper tooling.

If you find someone else who can repair these systems, please let us know. My 303’s exhaust is in good shape but that won’t last forever.

Zeke

Call AWi in Minnesota a call and ask.

Great shop Honest.

Is your comment based on experience in the last 1-2 years? There has been a lot of consolidation in welding shops. Consolidation many times leads to a loss of uniquely skilled personnel.

Tailwind Technologies, which owns Hartzell and other aviation businesses, bought AWI in Jan 2020. In Jan 2021 they bought Dawley - they shut Dawley down, moved equipment and consolidated in AWI Minneapolis. In July 2022, they acquired Acorn Welding in Canada.

Had no idea that much consolidation was happening! I remember when AWI bought Kosola. I think Knisley is still un-consolidated. They were the only source for my TIO-540-S1AD tailpipe.

Is your comment based on experience in the last 1-2 years? There has been a lot of consolidation in welding shops. Consolidation many times leads to a loss of uniquely skilled personnel.

Tailwind Technologies, which owns Hartzell and other aviation businesses, bought AWI in Jan 2020. In Jan 2021 they bought Dawley - they shut Dawley down, moved equipment and consolidated in AWI Minneapolis. In July 2022, they acquired Acorn Welding in Canada.