SILENCER DIVISION

Silencer Installation Guidelines

▪ Exhaust System Expansion Joints/ Supporting Methods
The proper installation of exhaust silencers must account for two significant factors: temperature and vibration.
An exhaust’s suspension/mounting system should account for both of these. The silencer must not be used to
support other parts of the exhaust system without proper reinforcement.

The use of a flexible connector is recommended to absorb the vibration induced in the system by the engine.
Ideally, one should apply the length-diameter ratio = 2. That is, the minimum flex length should be at least
twice the diameter. Example: An 8.0”(203mm) flex in diameter should be at least 16.0”(406mm) in length. For
larger displacements (axial and transverse) use a genuine “bellows”-designed for the specific requirements.
Furthermore, contact a local contractor for specific installation guidelines and local code requirements.

More easily determined is thermal growth. A “rule-of- thumb” is 6-8 micro-inches of growth per inch of length
per degree Fahrenheit change. Unless compensated, thermal stresses will destroy any exhaust system. In no case
restrict silencer growth. A 4 foot long silencer experiencing a thermal change from 80°F to 900°F will grow
approximately .25 inch—enough to distort and destroy the device.

▪ Exhaust Pipe Length

The ideal placement for a silencer in an exhaust system layout would be to place the silencer 40 % or 80%
down the total length of the system including apparent engine acoustical length. Typically, 80% is preferred.
Alternatively, if this criteria can not be met then the tailpipe and headpipe should not be even multiples in
length of each other. If the outlet exhaust pipe from silencer becomes too long then there is a chance to re-
introduce some low frequency noise. In the case of two smaller silencers placed in series a similar rule would
apply.

▪ Water/Condensation in Exhaust System

Silencers are designed with a drain coupling located in appropriate location for easy drainage of
water/condensation. This feature will help flush the silencer of water/condensation but will not always prevent
water from flowing back into the engine. Continual maintenance of silencer is the best bet to prevent excessive
water from getting in the system.

▪ Gas Flow
A nameplate is included on all silencers with specific information such as model number, date, job number, and
gas flow. The gas flow is indicated with an arrow as to the direction of exhaust flow through the silencer.

▪ Excessive Heat
Insulation blankets on an exhaust system typically can be used to reduce heat transfer from silencer to its
environment and reduce the outer skin temperature. The gas into an exhaust system can range in temperature
up to 1200°F. This heat, if silencer is insulated, can be detrimental to the life of the material used. Carbon steel
can start to develop grain growth in its crystalline structures at 700°F and scaling and deterioration will soon
follow. In some circumstances it is necessary to use stainless steel in higher temperature applications.

Caution: Never install mufflers/exhaust systems on or near anything that may be flammable!
12/29/04
JMM