TT Hi Flow 3d Pipe stripped threads

[mark954]

I have just fitted a Thunder Tiger Redline 3D Hi flow pipe onto my redline 53 this morning in the trusty raptor. Took it to the field this afternoon and did a few high power climbs from the hover to check the mixture settings and it stripped the threads on the mounting bolts.

I did read in the test in model helicopter world when they tested this combination they had the same fault. I had only had it running for around 2 minutes before it went too.

I was just going to put a longer bolt with a nut on it to sort it, but this shouldnt happen from new.

Anybody else got any ideas??

[Bigbellypopper]

I did read somewhere that the bolts that are supplied with the pipe are too short. Shouldn't be a problem to use longer bolts and some locking nuts

[mark Taylor]

Get yourself some 40mm shanked m3 cap head bolts, split washers and some nuts from your local hardware store.
I did this as I was with the magazine reviewer when it happened.
Also you will have to watch your push pull throttle lever doesn't foul the end of the bolts.
Not good I know but at least there's a cure
hope this helps
cheers

[mark954]

Im just trying to get some longer bolts now, there is no point sending the pipe back to get another one that does the same.

I did have a clearence issue on the standard pipe and the throttle lever, but I just took a little off the back until it cleared. Hopefully I can get it to fit with a longer bolt.

[debrooker]

Yep, well documented issue, i didn't even bother to fit the supplied bolts after another guy down the club had this exact problem. I now use 40mm M3 screws with nyloc nuts. You may find that the throttle arm will foul on the bolt so you may need to shorten the arm also.

Also the gasket is a joke and have replaced with Quick UK metal ones, although reading around it seems that the gasket may be unnecessary, simply tighten the bolts when the muffler is nice and warm.

[mark954]

Im struggling to find the bolts locally, Im off work today and it is a beautiful day for flying!!!!!

Looks like the old pipe is going back on today until the postman can deliver me some new ones.

[mark954]

I have just spoke to shop where I got the exhaust from and they said they have never heard of this happening before. I'm not after a replacement because it will be fine once the new bolts are in. I just wanted them to pass onto the information to the importers.

[debrooker]

I have just spoke to shop where I got the exhaust from and they said they have never heard of this happening before. I'm not after a replacement because it will be fine once the new bolts are in. I just wanted them to pass onto the information to the importers.

hmmm.. i suppose some(or even most) will have trouble free experiences.

My own personal experience is that even when using the longer bolts the muffler was still coming loose and it was only when i re-tightened whilst the muffler was hot has it kept in place.

TBH this is not just a Raptor issue, it can affect any brand

[mark954]

I have orded some longer stainless steel bolts with nyloc nuts. I hope the heat will not damage the nyloc too much, failing that, I will look at the semi ovalised stiff nuts and see if I can get hold some to try.

Off for a test later this afternoon with a temorary set of bolts.

[sacko]

modelfixings.co.uk

Get the aeronuts. They are like locking nuts, but all metal

[mark954]

Cheers sacko,

Thanks for the link, they were not exactly the type I was on about, but I have used this type before in my previous life as a real aircraft engineer.

Got some on order, the nylon has melted out after my test flight this afternoon anyway.

[mark Taylor]

dont bother with nylocs , they just melts with the heat
i'm using m3 split washers and standard nut's, that's all's needed mate.
if your struggling , i can post you some some m3 x 40mm shanked bolts with split washers and nut's, BUT not until monday.
cheers

[barney]

A tiny smear of epoxy does wonders in both sealing the manifold and helps keeping it all in place.

Nylocs, although the nylon deforms it still bites a little. A quick re-torque of the bolts when it's all hot should keep it together.

Never found alloy headers to last in the threaded department when screwed directly to a motor myself...longer bolts/nuts seem to be the only long term solution.

Was blowing up at Knockbain today Mark 15-30Mph but nice otherwise..maybe Sunday if your interested..10.30 onwards

[mark954]

Bolts arrived this morning, hopefully lock nuts be here Tuesday. I will manage with the melted nylocs until then. It seems to be holding together so far.

Club fly in on Sunday Barney, probably be up begining of the week.