Exhaust manifold blowing

[ambibus]

Hi all

All the time I have had the van (just over 2 years) the cast iron section of my exhaust (manifold) has been blowing. It has been an advisory at MOT time for the last 3 years as a 'slight escape of exhaust gases'.

I have been given a price of £53 for a new part but how involved is fitting it?, my usual exhaust tyre place I have used for years has said ' I won't touch anything with the engine at the wrong end'.

The hole /leak is right inside the V of the manifold and is covered at present by an unsightly exhast bandage, any ideas

[AdrianC]

All the time I have had the van (just over 2 years) the cast iron section of my exhaust (manifold) has been blowing.

<checks garage>
So that's a WBX.

The only cast section's the elbow - there aren't really manifolds, just the "downpipes" bolted straight to the heads. If the downpipes and J-pipe are good, the elbow's not going to be hard to replace on its own. Just grind the heads off the bolts - some of them to the downpipes are a bit hidden, but a die-grinder gets in there.

Might be time to look more closely at the rest of it, and figure out exactly what can be left, and what would be wise to do at the same time.

£53 is a micky-take for the elbow.
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/c ... 3-wbx.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
plus gaskets.

Good luck with the head studs.

[ambibus]

Hi adrian

yep thats the part thats giving me Gip, Haynes manual refers to it as 'manifold' in the diagram they have under the exhaust section. The rest of the exhaust is in very good condition. If just this part could be replaced i would be very happy. thanks for the link Paul

[ambibus]

I was near our local Kwik Fit in Glossop today so called in out of interest really to get a price for having a new cast elbow fitted. we are hoping to go away for a weekend soon so fancied getting it done ASAP. I was quoted £114 including the part VAT and labour, £90 if I booked it in there and then, have booked it in and will keep you posted. I will be very happy if it can be done for that price

[AdrianC]

I will be very happy if it can be done for that price

It's K-F. Perhaps we should run a sweepstake.

I'll take "New brakes and dampers needed, Sir"...

[igotadizzy]

If your local place wont touch something as simple as a t25 or as they put it engine at wrong end, then they should not be trusted to change a wiper blade.
As far as the manifold is concerned it is not a difficult job, for any good mechanic

[DavidPallister]

for any good mechanic

Thats kwik-Fit out then

[ambibus]

Thought it sounded to good to be true, It was sunday 19th May when I got the quote. Had not heard anything from Kwik Fit by wednesday so rang them up..'oh sorry mate we were that busy I forgot to order the part, give me your name and number again'. Gave name and number 'I'm ordering the part as we speak (to the sound of keyboard buttons) Right thats ordered for you and will be here tomorrow someone will ring you friday' No one has rang so getting my local garage to do it although they have warned 'Be prepared to have to pay for a new exhaust.