Anyone been here before
 

Okay, I'm trying to finish putting the 1450 back together after correcting a oil consumption issue along with installing new solid motor mounts and a solid driver. So I'm down to the heat shields and muffler and am starring at this mess trying to figure out where to go with this mess. I don't know exactly what it's called but it's part of the heat shields and engine cooling. Is this something that can be welded or am I looking at trying to find a replacement. Also is there any issues with just leaving it off and fabricating different mounts for the muffler bracket etc.?

Steve

Good luck finding a replacement. Many of them are broken.

Can it be welded: Yes. Take it to a welding shop, it's aluminum.

Can you leave it off? Well.... I suppose if you could fab up something that works the same way, then yes. But you really need that heat shield around the muffler. The idea is that the air coming off the engine also blows across the muffler and carries the heat out the front. Without it, the engine compartment gets too hot, and it may burn the paint.

This looks similar

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cub-Cadet-QL...8AAOSw8w1YB8tj

That one may not be perfect, but I'd grab onto it if I were you.

Put it back together like it's supposed to be and it will probably last a good long time.

Biggest reason the muffler box mount (aluminum piece in question) broke is because it came loose and never got tightened.... so it would rattle around, plus the weight of the muffler, then break. Key is, use good bolts and loctite if necessary to keep it in place. Although, I do not suggest using loctite for the bolts that screw into the aluminum.... just the ones that mount it. Anti-seize is all I suggest putting on steel bolts that thread into aluminum.

I had several re welded at a shop, they even rebuilt the muffler attachment point, sprayed it hi temp black, looks like new. $20 for the repair
I have 2 that are in perfect condition, and were not repaired for sale if your interested
usually, the front of the muffler hits something, and pushes back on the aluminum shield, that usually fractures the cast aluminum
hope it all works out for you

Thanks Garyoh5a, I have mine at a welding shop now but if that doesn't work out I may wish to take you up on one of yours.

Steve