Pirate 0 #1 Posted September 2, 2010 My 414-8, with a 14M Kohler, would run ok, then start running at 50% or less power. Sometimes it would run ok for 45 minutes. Other times for 10 minutes. If I let off on the throttle for a second, then powered up, it would be fine for a while. It would run smooth but at reduced power, and the exhaust sounded different. I cleaned the carb, checked fuel pump, checked valve clearances, etc. Still, same problem. I found that when I banged my hand on the muffler, it would rattle. Something was loose inside. I finally decided to cut her open. I found the piece shown in the picture. It is an extension of the inlet pipe, and was capped off on the end. Around the outside of the pipe, were a bunch of holes for the exhaust to go thru. About 2-3 inches to the right of the inscision, there is a hole the exhaust has to go thru on it's way thru the muffler. I guess at times the broken piece would bounce around, and when the capped end would cover the hole, the pressure would hold it there, and restrict the exhaust. Welded her back together, and so far, so good. Finally! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmuone 15 #2 Posted September 2, 2010 Amazing 1. a problem like that can happen and 2. you tracked it down. Way to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pirate 0 #3 Posted September 2, 2010 Thanks. I wasn't thrilled to cut into a good muffler, but there wasn't much else to check. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,594 #4 Posted September 2, 2010 THAT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,678 #5 Posted September 2, 2010 Been there done that I believe their is a couple of threads on this Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,285 #6 Posted September 2, 2010 We call that opening you cut in the muffler a "Dutchman" in the phone company. Did many of those in lead sleeves and soldered them back up. Yours looks like you knew where to look and exactly what to cut. How did you know where to cut that trap door in the right place at the right size? :USA: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pirate 0 #7 Posted September 2, 2010 To locate where to cut, I shook the muffler, and tried to determine where the loose part was. I figured the size was ok. Looking back, I should have cut it bigger, just in case the loose part was larger. Just a bit more welding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger from southern Iowa 1 #8 Posted September 2, 2010 Good job in finding it!! Congrats. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
