Club 80-90 Forums

Hi there,
I bought my t25 almost a year ago and in that time i've had no problems but i have a slight engine backfire when i step off the accelerator and let the engine brake. I took it to a specialist garage and they said its a missing 4th cylinder exhaust flange and showed me where it should be.

They then told me that's an engine out job and would cost a minimum of £420. So my question is, is it really an engine out job and does this sound a reasonable price? It is an early 1.9 DG Water cooled. I will try and add a photo tonight of the missing piece when i get back home.

I thought it sounded expensive but if it is an engine out job is there is anything else that i should probably replace at the same time?


Many thanks

Doesn't sound right, picture please

The exhaust flange is the plate that is welded to the exhaust pipe that then bolts on to the side of the head , if this is missing then the exhaust would not be connected to the head and would be leaking. Also £420 sounds expensive as these engines can be taken out by someone with experience in less than an hour. As said best to put a pic in of the missing bit so we can see what your mechanic means

I think it might be the exhaust flange gasket? Which could explain the backfire. Not normally an engine out job to replace it if it goes to plan, otherwise yes it could be an engine out job if the studs are sheared which would be about that amount.

Best to put some pictures up of the problem area.

If the exhaust studs are sheared off in the head, I'd take the heads off, but engine out only if you're doing it yourself to aid access

Thank you for all your replies they were very helpful. I think Big herb called it right.

It enabled me to explain the problem to a a local garage. I took it to Jeff's Shack in Bristol and Jeff himself has just told me he managed to drill out the studs and replace the exhaust flange gasket without removing the engine. Phew!

Now they're working on reducing the emissions to get it through the MOT.

Thanks Again!