CHM

My Feedback: (28)

I need to slightly bend the header section of a Genesis Throttle Pipe muffler to clear the fuselage on my Giles 3D. It's hard to explain, but I just need to open up the radius between the header flange and the muffler section.

I'm assuming I will want to heat it up. How hot?

Thanks!

bearmech

My Feedback: (1)

Not sure but I think that your header is heat treated and you wont hve much luck bending it. You might be better off using some aluminum sheet the thickness you need and fabricate a spacer by using the exhaust flang as a template, then attach as you normally would with longer screws.

CHM

My Feedback: (28)

An extension won't get me much on this one because it actually angles inward some. I need to bend it out about 1/2".

Chuck

LesUyeda

But if you taper the extension to the angle necessary, that would work.

Les

bearmech

My Feedback: (1)

Boy I just read my last post and my fingers are sure stupid this morning. A wedge shaped extension would work.

ngillpatrick

That will be tough to bend, I think you would be better off making a spacer. You could have this piece machined from aluminum bar stock.

CHM

My Feedback: (28)

Hmmm, that's a thought....a wedgie! I'll check it out tonight when I get home. I think the angle will put a hurt on the screws.

Thanks guys!

jettstarblue

Heating aluminum to bend it will ruin it.
Generally, you can't succesfully unbend a bent tube, you'll end up with a second bend or worse, you'll kink it and ruin it. You will be better off to make a second intentional bend near the first, instead of trying to "unbend" it. Fill the pipe with dry sand, and use a wheel, pipe, or other suitable object to bend around. Make sure you "pull" the pipe around the bend, and not just force it over the object. You may also want to practice with a piece of scrap aluminum tube, even if it's not the same dia.
Hope this helps.

Jetts

ngillpatrick

Try it first with a block of wood. If you do use something like this I would advise cutting a gasket for the spacer (both sides) and using heat resistant rubber washers on your screws if you can find them.

CHM

My Feedback: (28)

Thanks for all the ideas. I decided to abort the bend and just put on a 1/2" extension and a Mac's one-piece (which has a slight angle to it). It clears the bottom of the 3D Giles when I have the engine canted a bit.

I'll save the throttle pipe for my Flying Machine.

Thanks!