Why did Hatori discontinue this item and go with a rigid system? Did they have a problem with durability or leaking? I would think the rigid system would crack over time. Is this not the case?
Thanks

I don't know why Hatori stopped but I do know the flex headers broke frequently. I always carried a spare or two in the field box.

With a good soft mount you wont see the cracking of the rigid headers. The new Hatori 822/823 series headers with an 821 short pipe is virtually bullet proof if you use a good soft mount. The engine will move, but with the way the pipe mounts it will flex as well. The biggest thing with this setup is leaving enough space where the header fits into the pipe to allow for expansion for heat. If you do, you wont see any issues. I had over 2200 flights on my last plane with no headers broken with this setup.

Arch

rcpattern;

What was the life of your O-rings in that 2200 flights ?

Usually, 75-100 flights before I would change them. I would start noticing slight leakage around the header and just changed them when I did. Very quick and easy to do.

I have a header/extension I'm using on my YS 140 and it recently broke at the location where the rigid part joins the flexible (bellows) extension. I purchased the header used with the model (Sequel) and therefore don't know what make it is. It must have at least a few hundred flights on it. Is it possible to silver solder or repair the unit in another way? I checked on Central Hobbies' web site and didn't see anything that looks like it. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks, Don

That could be a Hatori or a Johnson header. Not sure about repairs, you might call Central and ask if they have any in stock as sometimes thier website does not list everything they have on hand.

Thanks, I'll give them a call.