The baffle(s) in the muffler of my 520xi have disintegrated or are otherwise gone. The muffler doesn't leak and is not perforated but it is very noisy. Is there any possible damage to the engine if I don't replace the muffler?
Thanks for your reply. I wear ear protection but didn't want to damage engine. I was quoted $300 for replacement muffler here in Canada. I remember installing flow through muffler when I was into higher performance cars lol.
You should be able to get a new muffler for around $ 50 a any one of 15,000 mower shops in the US.
adding post & custome should still come out at less than $ 100.
I buy a lof of stuff from Jacks <http://www.jackssmallengines.com> not the cheapest but excellent service particularly as I am getting them sent to OZ.
While no muffler baffels might not hurt your engine, they also could lead to insufficient back pressure ( same as fitting flow through mufflers on your car ) which may cause the engine to run lean which may cause it to overheat .
The real rough & ready test is after the engine has been running for about 1/2 hours so it is nice & hot turn the choke on slightly.
If the motor starts to 8 stroke & blow smoke then all is fairly well with the noisy muffler.
If OTOH the engine runs beter with a little ( and I meal little ) bit of choke then that is a sure sing of a lean running motor.
