Maintaining the TS14B Scraper with Correct Muffler Replacement

[MikePhua]

The TS14B and Its Role in Earthmoving History
The TS14B motor scraper, manufactured by Terex (formerly part of Euclid), is a twin-engine, twin-operator earthmoving machine designed for high-volume material transport. First introduced in the 1970s and refined through the 1980s, the TS14B became a staple in large-scale civil engineering projects, mining operations, and highway construction. Its design features two engines—one in the front tractor unit and one in the rear pusher—allowing for synchronized power delivery and improved traction during loading and hauling.
Terex, founded in 1933 as Euclid Road Machinery, became a major player in the heavy equipment industry, especially after its acquisition by General Motors and later its rebranding under the Terex name. The TS14 series, including the TS14B, was one of its most successful scraper lines, with thousands sold across North America, Australia, and South Africa.
The Importance of Exhaust System Integrity
One of the most overlooked components in scraper maintenance is the muffler. While not directly tied to performance metrics like horsepower or hydraulic pressure, the muffler plays a critical role in engine health, operator safety, and regulatory compliance.
A deteriorated or incorrect muffler can lead to:

• Increased backpressure, reducing engine efficiency
  
• Excessive noise levels, violating OSHA and local noise ordinances
  
• Heat damage to adjacent components due to poor exhaust routing
  
• Accelerated wear on turbochargers and exhaust manifolds
  

In the TS14B, each engine requires a properly sized and tuned muffler to maintain optimal exhaust flow. The front and rear engines—often Cummins NTA855 or Detroit Diesel 8V71 variants—have distinct exhaust characteristics, and muffler selection must account for displacement, turbocharging, and mounting orientation.
Terminology Explained

• Backpressure: Resistance to exhaust flow caused by restrictions in the exhaust system. Excessive backpressure can reduce engine power and increase fuel consumption.
  
• Turbocharger: A forced induction device that uses exhaust gases to compress intake air, increasing engine efficiency and output.
  
• Muffler: A component in the exhaust system designed to reduce noise and control emissions by dissipating sound waves and filtering particulates.
  

Identifying the Correct Muffler
Operators often struggle to identify the correct replacement muffler, especially when original part numbers are worn off or unavailable. In one case, a diesel mechanic working on a TS14B in Georgia was unable to locate a part number on the old muffler and sought a compatible Donaldson replacement.
Donaldson, a global leader in filtration and exhaust systems, offers a wide range of universal and OEM-style mufflers. To match a muffler correctly, technicians should measure:

• Inlet and outlet diameter
  
• Overall length and body diameter
  
• Mounting bracket location
  
• Flow direction and internal baffling type
  

For the TS14B, common Donaldson muffler models used include:

• Donaldson M100465: Suitable for Cummins NTA855 applications with side inlet and top outlet
  
• Donaldson M120300: Designed for Detroit Diesel 8V71 with rear outlet configuration
  

Field Anecdote
In Saskatchewan, a contractor operating a TS14B on a wind farm project noticed excessive noise and black smoke from the rear engine. Upon inspection, the muffler had rusted through and collapsed internally, causing backpressure and turbo lag. After replacing it with a Donaldson M100465 and adjusting the exhaust elbow, the engine regained full power and emissions dropped by 30%, verified through a handheld opacity meter.
Best Practices for Muffler Replacement

• Always match muffler specifications to engine model and exhaust routing
  
• Use stainless steel clamps and high-temperature sealant to prevent leaks
  
• Inspect exhaust elbows and flex pipes for cracks or fatigue
  
• Replace mufflers every 5,000–7,000 operating hours or sooner in corrosive environments
  
• Consider upgrading to low-restriction mufflers for improved fuel economy
  

Preventive Maintenance Recommendations

• Perform quarterly exhaust system inspections, especially in machines operating in wet or dusty conditions
  
• Keep a log of muffler replacements and part numbers for future reference
  
• Train operators to recognize signs of muffler failure, such as increased noise, smoke, or power loss
  
• Use anti-seize compound on mounting bolts to ease future removal
  

Conclusion
The TS14B scraper remains a powerful and reliable machine in the earthmoving world, but its longevity depends on attention to detail—especially in components like the muffler that are easy to overlook. By selecting the correct replacement, verifying fitment, and maintaining exhaust integrity, operators can ensure peak performance and compliance with modern noise and emissions standards. Whether hauling clay in Georgia or building roads in Alberta, the TS14B deserves the same care today as it did when it first rolled off the assembly line.