Q. What metal is the exhaust system made of?
A. The CKT Exhaust system is available in 304L grade stainless in a dull finish or Titanium. For the Titanium systems the alloy is Grade 1 & 2 CP (commercially pure).
Q. How does the cost of a Titanium exhaust system vary from that of a stainless system?
A. The cost of a Titanium system is usually double the price of the stainless, but the Titanium system is lighter.
Q What is the average weight of a 900 series Rotax exhaust system?
A. The average weight of our stainless system is 5-6kg, sometimes less. The equivalent exhaust system in Titanium is approx. 2.9kg. The Titanium system is approximately half this weight.
Q. What metal are the exhaust springs made of and do they fail from time to time? If so, what causes failure of the springs?
A. Our exhaust springs are made of stainless steel, to prevent/reduce saltwater corrosion. These springs fail from time to time, just like any other currently available spring that is being used for this application. This is due to a harmonics problem. The factory has not provided the specifics relating as to why it is that harmonics affect vibration. There is no specified time limit for spring failure/spring replacement. This will depend on several factors, such as attention to proper engine installation, unacceptable engine vibration that can be caused by numerous factors etc. Customers occasionally order replacement springs. The care and fitting of springs is mentioned in our packing instructions. Whether tractor or pusher aircraft, it is essential to safety wire the springs. Application of high heat silicone is helptul for reducing vibration and catching any broken spring parts, should the spring fail.
Q. What is the general surface temperature of the exhaust?
A. The surface temperature of the system nominally operates around 270 C/500 F, although this rises at the parts close to the cylinder heads when under load. There is currently no data as to what the exact temperature is at what part of the exhaust for what power setting.
Q. Are all stages of the manufacturing process carried out at the CKT factory?
A. We make everything in our works (factory) except machined parts and laster cut components such as flanges and springs.
Q. What is the O.D. and wall thickness of the header pipes of the CKT 900 series exhaust?
A. The stainless header pipes are 32mm O.D. (about 1 1/4"). The wall thickness is 1mm or 1.2mm wall if weight is not an issue. The Titanium header pipes are 32mm O.D. (about 1 1/4"). The wall thickness is 1mm or 0.9mm, depending upon our design choice.
Q. How tight a bend radius can you achieve?
A. All bend radiusii are 32mm/1 1/4" centre line radius. This includes 38 x 1mm tubes which are used for single gas outlets. This radius was chosen due to the sometimes limited space when installing the 912 engine. Most of our assemblies feature 1'D' bends
Q. Is there a special finish available for 900 series exhaust?
A. Yes, we can supply the system in a special high temp. coated silver/chrome finish. This maintains appearance for the more discerning owner.
Q. Do you recommend applying a product to the ball sockets of the CKT exhaust system?
A. We supply a special, very high temp. lubricant for the ball and socket joints, which works well.
Q. Are there any interesting features of the CKT exhaust system?
A. The system is designed to "breathe" to accommodate the expansions and contractions due to normal heating and cooling. There is also a final adjustment slip joint on one of the headers, to eliminate the "four legged stool" effect.