View Full Version : Century Torpedo V3 Issues
Forced_Induction
08-21-2008, 12:52 AM
Im not trying to trash century, as i have called them and am in the process of getting the situation resolved.
I noticed the exhaust was sounding really tinny today flying my spectra, and after the flight, i gave the heli a shake. A piece of the muffler had broken off inside and was rattling around! it stayed near the outlet, as i couldnt get it to fall near the inlet to see what it was.
After removing the muffler at home, i noticed that the end cap with the outlet on it is beginning to crack off. it is cracking around the outside about 3 or 4 mm away from the end, and is cracked about halfway around.
Again, i am sending the muffler away tomorrow, and the guy at Century was extremely helpful, so im not trashing the company or the product, i am wondering if anyone else has had a problem with this muffler as well.
Sorry to hear that. Doubly sorry since I just ordered one yesterday! Hope you'll be able to report on a good customer service story.
Forced_Induction
08-21-2008, 08:29 PM
i just sent the muffler out today, but so far with the phone conversation, it seems like i might be ok. i will report more when it happens.
lperagallo
08-22-2008, 09:51 AM
Forced_Induction,
You probably just got one with a bad weld. I know a lot of guys including myself that run the V3 with no problems. While I'm not a Century fan myself, their muffler seems good.
Lou
Forced_Induction
08-22-2008, 10:35 AM
thats what im hoping is all that happened. i would love to continue to use this muffler!
Helisin
09-16-2008, 03:42 PM
I think there is a bit of an issue with the craftsmanship in these pipes. I too recieved one for my Intrepid EB and the seam where the end cap is welded on has pitting in the weld and one small hole. It does leak a bit but nothing worth sending back for at this point.
I've heard of at least two others that have had the same or worse scenarios with theirs. One of which has returned it to the supplier.
It's a big pipe and sounds nice and quiet relative to the stock can. As well I've been able to tune EB (G26) nicely with the V3. Running very smooth. Over all I'm happy with the V3 but a little disappointed in the craftsmanship.:...:
Rob.
Forced_Induction
09-16-2008, 11:09 PM
i definately like it more than the stock can. i dont like the sound of that thing at all.
This is three flights since new. Back it went to Century.
Forced_Induction
09-18-2008, 12:25 AM
with each new muffler, you get a warranty card. so i think century is going to keep warrantying my mufflers until they get it right. i spent enough on this muffler that the welds should at least hold. i dont think thats too much to ask.
cbergen
09-18-2008, 07:48 AM
Well crap. I had hoped that Century had gotten their mufflers perfected, but looks like they may be having some similar issues as we have.
Another option is Zimmerman, I'l look into theirs and see what's what.
Well crap. I had hoped that Century had gotten their mufflers perfected, but looks like they may be having some similar issues as we have.
Another option is Zimmerman, I'l look into theirs and see what's what.
I'd be interested in that Chris. I've seen pics of Rajas mounted on his Spectra, and he mentioned that it will need a small touch-up on one of the welds. Hatori is an expensive option but I don't think that they're readily avaiable, if anyone knows of anyone who stocks them please let me know.
Brad
wayneparrish
09-18-2008, 04:46 PM
Looks like they are welding them and then grinding/sanding the weld bead off so it will "look purty" ! Id rather see the weld beads ! Wayne
planefxr
09-20-2008, 11:51 PM
Same problem with cracking at end cap welds. Looks like the welds were sanded & polished through during finishing. cracks apeared after 15 minutes on my bergen E.B. I guess i will be calling century on monday for another one. works & sounds good other than that.
Peter
09-21-2008, 03:32 AM
Bloody baffle came loose in one of mine today .. and the warranty is worthless in Australia too ..it's about 6 months old..... might have to try the standard can. , haven't ever used one of them ....
GyroAl
09-22-2008, 12:24 AM
The can one works well enough but it is much noiser.
I am still using the original V1...and working great. Seems like they may have got a b ad production run of the V3's.
rbort
09-22-2008, 03:11 PM
Someone needs to turn up and quality control knob at Century...
-=>Raja.
GyroAl
09-23-2008, 12:17 AM
Yes, they may have a similar problem to the ones we had years ago, with the MinAir U-Pipes on our 60's. Every one we tried at our field had the same probelm - the baffles would fall out and cause the motor to go instantly lean and die in flight. Caused a number of crashes that summer.
After the third one they sent me, I had them credit me the cost towards some parts I could use for back-up.
My flying partner had them exchange his for the more expensive U-Pipe from Hatori thatb they were copying and he paid the difference.
Helisin
09-27-2008, 10:01 AM
Someone needs to turn up and quality control knob at Century...
-=>Raja.
I agree. Any comments from a Century rep? My intentions are not to start a bashing of Century here so keep it clean!
Rob.
planefxr
09-30-2008, 10:08 PM
Recieved a replacement pipe today. I pressure tested it with compass fluid & 2 psi. It blew bubbles at the welds on both ends.
I will try to keep it and get a credit,ha ha. If I can do that I will cut the end caps off, prep the edges, preheat the assembly & tig weld the caps on and be done with it.
I will report back.
rbort
10-01-2008, 12:28 AM
Recieved a replacement pipe today. I pressure tested it with compass fluid & 2 psi. It blew bubbles at the welds on both ends.
WTF??????
-=>Raja.
Forced_Induction
10-01-2008, 01:22 AM
I really hope a Century rep read that post planefxr. Excuse the language, but this is F***ing pathetic. this is beyond quality control. this is just shit products. Come on, 2psi and its leaking?! something needs to be done about this.
planefxr
10-07-2008, 10:50 PM
Well, as you might guess I could no get a credit. I decided to keep the pipe. I cut the ends off at 1/4" in. They whoever is mfg. this pipe is using a low heat sweat aluminum process. Iam told its like sweat soldering brass or copper. The welds are clean and look nice, however heat is a problem. The aluminum used is of poor quality no fault of century I would guess. Anyway I tig welded The caps back on (low amps & helium) and it ran without leaking, nice & clean. I did not remove the baffle and reweld it. I will see if it comes loose with use over time. My guess is that it will.
Billme
10-10-2008, 02:08 PM
Could not get Credit? you didn't even ask for credit according to Paul Pan, and you would have certainly got another new muffler...So whats the deal? Who did you talk to?
Bill
gusfer39
11-10-2008, 02:15 PM
Well a have had some problems with my muffler as well, it is true that will be V4?
Regards,
Gustavo