C-145-2 Exhaust System

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

Post Reply
melcessna
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:28 am

C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by melcessna »

I am getting ready to purchase a new system. It appears the sources are Wag-Aero and Hanlon Wilson. This is my first experience with this engine's exhaust system. I would like an understanding of what would be best. I plan to extend the exhaust pipes to preclude the staining as the paint job is new this year. Also, is AWI an acronym or is it the name of the vendor. If not, could I have the full name. Thanks for your time in helping me. Mike
Michael E. Lewis
User avatar
cessna170bdriver
Posts: 4114
Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 5:13 pm

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by cessna170bdriver »

Miles

“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
User avatar
Bruce Fenstermacher
Posts: 10418
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 11:24 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

Hanlon Wilson is the name of the manufacturer who made the original parts. I do not believe Hanlon Wilson is still in business and if they are that you could buy direct. The name Hanlon Wilson in many cases is used to identify the type of exhaust ie a Hanlon Wilson system vs "pancake" style exhaust on a 170. Hanlon Wilson made exhaust systems for many models of airplanes over the years.

Wag Aero is the parent name of a "Manufacturer and Distributor of Quality Aircraft Parts & Services". They make lots of parts, some under PMA, some not. A subsidiary of Wag, Aero Fabricators, makes exhaust parts and is a small part of Wags overall business. Wag, or Aero Fabricators might make Hanlon Wilson style exhaust parts under PMA.

AWI or Aerospace Welding, Inc. is a company that specializes in manufacturing aircraft exhaust components under PMA. Some of their components are of the Hanlon Wilson style. From what we've seen they do an exceptional job manufacturing parts and assembling systems.

PMA - Parts Manufacturing Authority, given by the FAA. With out a PMA, for the most part, one can't manufacture and sell aircraft parts. Having a PMA is often equated to the thinking the part will be exactly like the original. In some cases it often appears what some think to be exactly like original has a wide latitude.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!

Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
User avatar
56alpha
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Oct 13, 2002 3:42 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by 56alpha »

I recommend AWI. I recently installed 2 new mufflers from AWI on my A-model replacing, what I assume to be, original Hanlon-Wilson mufflers purchased from John Benham years ago. They fit directly onto the exhaust risers without having to loosen them from the cylinders, which surprised me. Also a neighbor recently replaced his A-model pancake system with a complete AWI kit and the only issue he ran into was having to enlarge one tailpipe exit hole in the cowling.

I do not recommend the "extended tailpipes" from Wag-Aero. I purchased a set of these and they don't fit well at all. The geometry is all wrong.

What are you replacing?
melcessna
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:28 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by melcessna »

I am doing an extensive restoration of a 1948. The engine is being done by Signature Engine in Cincinnati. Upon completion, it will get a new exhaust system. I am reluctant to get into the cowling but can do the metal work if absolutely required. I realize we are saying AWI is supporting the Association, but Wag-Aero doesn’t require cowling fabrication, other than allegiance why wouldn’t we buy the Wag-Aero product? Are there quality issues? Regarding extended tailpipe, Aircraft Spruce offers a bolt on. Any experience/thoughts regarding this tailpipe? Discussion welcome and appreciated. Thanks, Mike
Michael E. Lewis
User avatar
DaveF
Posts: 1562
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:44 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by DaveF »

Saw this on a T-6 at OSH 2015.
7926CFC6-1038-49DC-A092-0A88A03AF1A4.jpeg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
56alpha
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Oct 13, 2002 3:42 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by 56alpha »

melcessna wrote:I am reluctant to get into the cowling but can do the metal work if absolutely required.
I completely understand. This is the reason I didn't install the Wag-Aero tailpipes, installing them would have required that both exit holes in the cowling be enlarged. I wasn't willing to do that.

As for the Spruce exhaust parts, I believe they are made by AWI.
User avatar
Bruce Fenstermacher
Posts: 10418
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 11:24 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

melcessna wrote:I realize we are saying AWI is supporting the Association, but Wag-Aero doesn’t require cowling fabrication Thanks, Mike
Mike. no correct Hanlon Wilson system, including from AWI, should require any cowl work.

The correct system for your '48 is the system for a '52 170B model.

Now if you buy the incorrect Hanlon Wilson system meant for a later 172 from any source, then you will have to put bumps in the cowl as that system uses larger diameter mufflers.

As for the cowl exit holes, I wouldn't be surprised you might have to open them a pinch and you may have to do this no matter the source. One the cowlings are 70 years old and not pristine in shape and mounting. Second you are replacing system design, the pancake system, for which the original cowl holes where placed, for another completely different system in the Hanlon Wilson.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!

Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
melcessna
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:28 am

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by melcessna »

Thanks, I will chat with AWI. Very helpful!
Michael E. Lewis
User avatar
GAHorn
Posts: 21291
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: C-145-2 Exhaust System

Post by GAHorn »

If a new exhaust system is being installed and it appears the cowling tailpipe exits need to be altered.... FIRST INSPECT YOUR ENGINE MOUNTS.
If your Lord Mounts are old and have settled...OR if your dynafocal mount has been tweaked.... OR if your fiewall attachment has settled.... THAT could explain the problem and should be corrected first.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
Post Reply
Cessna® is a registered trademark of Textron Aviation, Inc. The International Cessna® 170 Association is an independent owners/operators association dedicated to C170 aircraft and early O-300-powered C172s. We are not affiliated with Cessna® or Textron Aviation, Inc. in any way.