Flowmaster mufflers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 351
Likes: 13
From: Payson AZ
Flowmaster mufflers
I have an issue and have seen others on here that had the same problem.
There is a loose baffle inside that rattles around and I was wondering if anyone has cut one open to reweld the baffle and then weld a cover back over your whole. Do it on the topside so when it's re-installed it wouldn't be visable.
It would be nice to just buy new ones but being on disablility that is too expensive for me. Seems you could fix them instead.
There is a loose baffle inside that rattles around and I was wondering if anyone has cut one open to reweld the baffle and then weld a cover back over your whole. Do it on the topside so when it's re-installed it wouldn't be visable.
It would be nice to just buy new ones but being on disablility that is too expensive for me. Seems you could fix them instead.
Last edited by C5 Newb; Nov 13, 2016 at 02:28 PM. Reason: spelling
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Tough question... Who would be doing all the work? If a shop is doing it, it may be less expensive to just get a new one.
Maybe try denting the area around the loose baffle with a small ball peen hammer enough to tighten the loose baffle.
If you knew exactly where the loose baffle was, you could drill a small hole into the case and into the baffle lip and SPOT WELD it back to the case. (fill the hole with weld.)
BC
Maybe try denting the area around the loose baffle with a small ball peen hammer enough to tighten the loose baffle.
If you knew exactly where the loose baffle was, you could drill a small hole into the case and into the baffle lip and SPOT WELD it back to the case. (fill the hole with weld.)
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
How do you know it's a loose baffle? No chance something foreign got in there (piece of cat, misc items from mufflers install...)? If it is a loose baffle, as BC said, how do you figure on finding out where it's loose without fully opening it up (and very possibly ruining the integrity)?
If you do know where it's loose, then sure, either drill thru and blind rivet or plug weld it.
If you do know where it's loose, then sure, either drill thru and blind rivet or plug weld it.
Last edited by grantv; Nov 14, 2016 at 12:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 351
Likes: 13
From: Payson AZ
How do you know it's a loose baffle? No chance something foreign got in there (piece of cat, misc items from mufflers install...)? If it is a loose baffle, as BC said, how do you figure on finding out where it's loose without fully opening it up (and very possibly ruining the integrity)?
If you do know where it's loose, then sure, either drill thru and blind rivet or plug weld it.
If you do know where it's loose, then sure, either drill thru and blind rivet or plug weld it.
I can tell which half of the muffler it seems to be, I would be doing all the work & welding so it would cost next to nothing.
I figured I could cut a 4"x6" rectangle on the topside near where I thought the loose piece was and fix it and weld a piece of steel back over
the opening.
I could be something in there but I hoped that after it was cut off (they are welded on) I may be able to shake it out.
How would I ruin the integrity by cutting a hole in it as long as it was sealed back up good? I try to think things through before starting a project, sometimes I don't think of something I should.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
I have 4, I know of all pieces missing (eye, tail, leg depending on what cat), so it's nothing from one of mine.
You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders (where else would it be...). As long as you seal it back the same as the factory did, you should be OK.
What do you plan to use to cut the hole? Zip discs, tin snips?
Assuming the shell is stainless?
You're going to do a full weld around the repair piece? Careful not to ruin any fill if present, and watch for warping. Take before, during/guts, and after pics.
Worst case scenario you make it worse.
You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders (where else would it be...). As long as you seal it back the same as the factory did, you should be OK.
What do you plan to use to cut the hole? Zip discs, tin snips?
Assuming the shell is stainless?
You're going to do a full weld around the repair piece? Careful not to ruin any fill if present, and watch for warping. Take before, during/guts, and after pics.
Worst case scenario you make it worse.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
It was cut apart and not welded back together. Sacrificed to show us how they were constructed and how well they flow. There is VERY LITTLE restriction inside to limit air flow.
Hey,, Just pull the muffler off and see if there is something in it that you can shake out.. That may all that's wrong.
BC
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Just GOOGLE C5 flow master muffler cut open and view "pictures" and see if you can find the model muffler that you have. There are LOTs of cut open pictures:
https://www.google.com/search?q=C5+f...7rf4gKlTh3M%3A
https://www.google.com/search?q=C5+f...7rf4gKlTh3M%3A
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
you might also check the warranty, some are covered against manufacturing defects.
Because a lot of the aftermarket is sold via word of mouth, they take customer concerns very carefully.
I had a different brand on a used car with no receipt, and the sales rep offered me a new assembly, because I had a broken spot weld on a hanger.
Just a suggestion for guys without welding equipment.
Because a lot of the aftermarket is sold via word of mouth, they take customer concerns very carefully.
I had a different brand on a used car with no receipt, and the sales rep offered me a new assembly, because I had a broken spot weld on a hanger.
Just a suggestion for guys without welding equipment.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 351
Likes: 13
From: Payson AZ
Just GOOGLE C5 flow master muffler cut open and view "pictures" and see if you can find the model muffler that you have. There are LOTs of cut open pictures:
https://www.google.com/search?q=C5+f...7rf4gKlTh3M%3A
https://www.google.com/search?q=C5+f...7rf4gKlTh3M%3A