Exhaust wobble

H

HappyHarry

0
Evening!

The time has come to get Bertha up and running ('74 Highwayman)! We have a few bits and bobs to sort out and a few questions to ask, so I've decided to create separate topics (to help with future searches).

The old gal had been blowing for the best part of last year (the camper, that is - not the Mrs), so we decided to buy a new silencer and tail pipe (thanks, SS). Our plan was to fit the box and tail to the original downpipe, to try and save ourselves a few pennies! The downpipe had a good bit of play in it, but I assumed that this was down to the sealing ring having been destroyed. However, after removing the downpipe today, it's in as good a nick as the new one we've just bought!

So, our question is, how much play (if any), should there be between the downpipe and the manifold? The downpipe is old, but looks to be in a reasonable condition. Would a new flange solve our problems? Failing that, what's the best plan of action (bearing in mind, we're trying to keep the cost down!

--------------------------------------------

Commer - The Hallmark Of Reliability
 
There shouldn't be any play at all:IIt may be the backing flange on the down pipe is either distorted or it's touching the manifold before it can tighten up on the ring. I had this problem and it took a bit of fiddling to get the flange central as I was tightening the nuts up.

bth_IMAG0017.jpg

Summer's Coming
 
with the new sealing ring in place, it's very important that both bolts are tightened evenly...as tight as you can by hand 1st then just a turn or 2 at a time by socket/spanner and ensure the downpipe is supported and positioned correctly as it should be......well worth taking your time over this...it can feel as though its tightening evenly and just the slightest movement of the down pipe and it will all seem loose again.....hope that makes sense! :)

th_Tigger002.jpg
''COMMER'EnSayThat''
 
Makes sense :) I'll be cutting into the end of the downpipe tomorrow evening, so will pull the old flange off and try a dry run onto the bolts. If she's distorted, I'll get a new one ordered. I had loads of fun with the bracket! Looked like quite a few people have had a go at 'making it work'!

Looks like a new one of those is on the cards too! I'll keep you posted - thanks guys, Harry

--------------------------------------------

Commer - The Hallmark Of Reliability
 
Bugger to get to isn't it ...I always find it a lot easier with the stater motor removed for one bolt and work from the engine bay for the other.....:)

th_Tigger002.jpg
''COMMER'EnSayThat''
 
It was a bit of a challenge, to say the least! Ended up getting the rear bolt out and then twisting the whole system out of the way for the front.

Twisting it was easer than it sounds - the box snapped off the tail pipe and hanging braket the second I touched it. You could have threatened it off!

--------------------------------------------

Commer - The Hallmark Of Reliability
 
When I fitted my non standard exhaust I tried to be clever and tried twisting the down pipe at the manifold joint to offset the angle a little, it wouldn't seal properly and wrecked the sealing ring. My point is you need to get the downpipe properly aligned in the correct position before you start to tighten it all up.:)

th_Tigger002.jpg
''COMMER'EnSayThat''
 
are the threads ok on the manifold bolts, i had a similer problem on my mates old car, threads had worn so after you tightened it it jumped loose as soon as you moved the car. he sorted it easy eenough by using a bigger nut as a spacer, dolly also has had the same thing done although she didnt need it. i was going to take them off but she seems happy and i think the last owner did it just to save having to struggle as much with them :)

7085000413_eb70a8423f_q.jpg

Dolly Commer Is Here http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6833
 
Exhaust ring is a pretty generic part, easily available from any decent exhaust place, same as an MGB one :)

4650583641_dba2503b41_o.jpg

"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Only just back from work now, so it's a bit dark to be lying on the drive. I'll have a go at it tomorrow and report back.

On a small side note, I'm still planning on keeping the original downpipe (provided it all goes together well), but she's a bit rusty! Is there anything I can do to help preserve it before it goes back on?

--------------------------------------------

Commer - The Hallmark Of Reliability
 
I might end up replacing it yet - we'll see how she sits when she's seated.

--------------------------------------------

Commer - The Hallmark Of Reliability
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top