Gold Muffler?

[MaineGuy]

I've got a 1981 Ford 1200 16hp 2cyl diesel, that needs a new muffler. I realize that this is an odd ball tractor over sized lawn joby and not many were made, parts are going to be expensive etc, etc. But, the $500 that my NH dealer just quoted seems extreme. Do they make them out of Gold now? It's a horizontal type which is great for keeping it from being knocked around. I can get a muffler and kit to switch it to a verticle arangement for just over $200. Still seems like a lot of money. Do I have any other options. Maybe buy all the neigbors hearing protectors. How important is it to have a specific factory replacement?

Thanks for any help.

MaineGuy

 

[MrJimi]

An 1981 is not in my opinion a have to get "exact replacement part". Did you try your local muffler shop?
I used to live in Biddeford, Maine
Jim

 

[normde2001]

Get whatever will fit, for the cheapest price.

 

[RobJ]

A little glass pack works ok.

 

[sandman2234]

I got the same quote,($500) for my 1100 which is almost the same tractor. I got lucky and found a used one off of a 1200 on one of my trips to the used tractor heaven. I had it shipped to the new owner, for a total of $65 and it was in a lot better shape than the one that came off it.
I considered building one out of retangular tubing 3.5x6 or so, and putting the chrome guard back on that. If I hadn't found that one, or sold the tractor to a good friend, that is what I was planning.
I am going to have to build him an adapter, as the exhaust manifold needs about an inch longer reach to get the muffler in the right place. Plus the boltholes are just different enough not to fit. Durn close, but not exact.
May have come off a different tractor, but it was laying near the 1200 and looked right to me, not having both of them there to compare.
David from jax

 

[MaineGuy]

Thanks for the advice.
I stopped at Motor Supply tonight and talked to the guys there. They think they can put something together for me. A little welding and a couple clamps and they said they can do it for less than $500. With a little luck less than $100. I'll take the old one into the shop so everything can be matched.

So, MrJimi you're from Northern Massachusetts?

I love TBN. You guys are great help.

MG

 

[MrJimi]

Thanks for the advice.
I stopped at Motor Supply tonight and talked to the guys there. They think they can put something together for me. A little welding and a couple clamps and they said they can do it for less than $500. With a little luck less than $100. I'll take the old one into the shop so everything can be matched.

So, MrJimi you're from Northern Massachusetts?

I love TBN. You guys are great help.

MG

Ah- Hemm
The gateway to Maine

 

[sandman2234]

So what did you decide to do?
David from jax

 

[MaineGuy]

The friendly guys at Motor Supply found a muffler for me. Close enough in size to the original. I need to reduce the intake pipe from 2.25 in. down to around 1.5 and weld on the flange that bolts to the engine. There is also a gusset from the muffler to the intake pipe for strength and 4 nuts that hold the sheild, that need to be welded. I've got $84 into the repair so far.

I've never welded...wonder if this is a good project to start with. Got any suggestions for muffler pipe welding?

MG

 

[Soundguy]

If the manifold is good.. and the bolt holes int he manifold are good.. I'd make or buy a non oem muffler.. even if it was a straight stack.

No rocket science to cut out a custom flange out of flat stock, drill to match manifold bolt pattern, then relieve center for the exhaust gas.. then make a pipe and weld.. or buy a premade pipe / muffler and weld.

I've seen -many- non oem setups like that.

A muffler shop could do this in the blink of an eye if it is a good mom-n-pop store.. and not a chain -wannabee- muffler shop.

Soundguy

I've got a 1981 Ford 1200 16hp 2cyl diesel, that needs a new muffler. I realize that this is an odd ball tractor over sized lawn joby and not many were made, parts are going to be expensive etc, etc. But, the $500 that my NH dealer just quoted seems extreme. Do they make them out of Gold now? It's a horizontal type which is great for keeping it from being knocked around. I can get a muffler and kit to switch it to a verticle arangement for just over $200. Still seems like a lot of money. Do I have any other options. Maybe buy all the neigbors hearing protectors. How important is it to have a specific factory replacement?

Thanks for any help.

MaineGuy