F430 Manifold Smoke Test DIY

[dvb247]

Need to know they're broken post replacement? I did, here's how.....

Apologies in advance for the amateur video take 1 only, no rehearsals here!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA9C5o0bhN0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkUTaKit5-s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK8VT5ED-Ps

Edited by dvb247 on Tuesday 28th July 22:42

[GG33]

Great vids. What made you suspect there was a problem?

What did you replace them with? I'm on the decision making path for a new set although as far as I know mine have not failed yet (Mk1)

[Durzel]

Lucky you caught it when you did.

It's also great that you're as hands on as you are, I would not have the first clue where to start with this stuff - if it's not IT I'm lost. Kinda wish I did have these skills because I must've burnt thousands paying for dealers to do this kind of stuff, or even remedial things like oil & brake pad changes, etc.

I still find it amazing that this is just considered to be "the way things are" with F430s, but coming from Porsche where scored bores are a "feature" of certain engines it's been quite a fast education.

[dvb247]

In answer to your questions, I was given reason to suspect them straight after my car purchase back in March, BUT, nobody would definitively say they were broken or not, nobody can actually prove they are broken whilst they are on the car, anyone who says otherwise is pulling your leg, I tried both main dealer and indy, its basically a blind bet, so my fast learning curve only presented more smoke and mirrors but nothing concrete to go back to my purchaser.

I decided to change them for aftermarket AP Racing which in my opinion have made my car way to loud (another story!!) but at least it's safe to drive now, I then thought that I had to determine beyond all doubt the condition of the manifolds I had removed and why not record it so others can benefit, giving them a step by step guide to check their removed manifolds for little to no cost.

I wonder how many unchecked suspected OEM manifolds are lying around in peoples garages up and down the country!!!

[Mike Brown]

That's the kind of superb simple write up that makes these forums so good, well done! I actually have a 360 and it seems that these do not succumb to this manifold dilemma for which I am grateful, regards Mike

[Mike Brown]

That's the kind of superb simple write up that makes these forums so good, well done! I actually have a 360 and it seems that these do not succumb to this manifold dilemma for which I am grateful, regards Mike

[steelej]

Daft question but what did you use for the smoke?

John.

[dvb247]

typed "smoke bombs" on ebay John

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121659151498?_trksid=p20...

after I sealed off my manifolds I simply put my mouth over the exhaust and blew, there was no resistance, so I didn't really need to use the smoke bombs other than for the videos.

[GG33]

Did you get the AP manifolds ceramic coated? If not, have you fitted any kind of heat blankets? If not, how are the engine bay temps?

Also - did you get any CEL warning lights after fitting the manifolds?

GG

Edited by GG33 on Thursday 30th July 11:15

[dvb247]

Zircotec coated, no CEL or heat issues

GG33 said:

Did you get the AP manifolds ceramic coated? If not, have you fitted any kind of heat blankets? If not, how are the engine bay temps?

Also - did you get any CEL warning lights after fitting the manifolds?

GG

Edited by GG33 on Thursday 30th July 11:15

[steelej]

dvb247 said:

typed "smoke bombs" on ebay John

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121659151498?_trksid=p20...

after I sealed off my manifolds I simply put my mouth over the exhaust and blew, there was no resistance, so I didn't really need to use the smoke bombs other than for the videos.

Thanks

John

[steelej]

GG33 said:

Did you get the AP manifolds ceramic coated? If not, have you fitted any kind of heat blankets? If not, how are the engine bay temps?

Also - did you get any CEL warning lights after fitting the manifolds?

GG

Edited by GG33 on Thursday 30th July 11:15

I don't have mine coated, no issues so far.

John.

[anonymous-user]

Excellent videos!
It's disgusting that these crack like this after very little use, only Ferrari can get away with it.

[dvb247]

Both of mine have failed at the same place, a decent weld and they'll be fine, the preCAT's are fine and the casing looks solid, just a clean break on the same pipe on both manifolds, clearly this is the weakest point.
Took 10 minutes to take the heat shield off, not much insulation IMHO, a normal heat bandage once installed and you have the advantage of checking for more breaks as and when you like!!
]

[f1ten]

hi DVB
have you revert back to the OEM2 manifolds ? your Aps too loud?