FAO: Kevin and/or Rob.e

[ErnestM]

Since you folks seem to be the experts with regards to V8 exhausts.

I have noticed that the left pipe has become detached from the muffler at the input point that goes into the muffler (the welding point). The left side tailpipe is still attached although "sticking out" a little farther than it used to.

Question 1: Can I just take this to any muffler shop to have it rewelded?

Question 2: Any impending danger (from the exhaust heat) in driving the car for short burst in the meantime?

TIA

ErnestM

[rob.e]

Since you folks seem to be the experts with regards to V8 exhausts.

I have noticed that the left pipe has become detached from the muffler at the input point that goes into the muffler (the welding point). The left side tailpipe is still attached although "sticking out" a little farther than it used to.

Question 1: Can I just take this to any muffler shop to have it rewelded?

Yes you can.

Question 2: Any impending danger (from the exhaust heat) in driving the car for short burst in the meantime?

TIA

ErnestM

No problem driving the car like this, but take it easy 'til you've had it fixed, as the pipe on the other side is now taking a lot more strain and so is now more likely to break. Once its welded it should be fine (in fact, a good weld will probably make it stronger than new).

Whilst your in the exhaust shop, get them to put a couple of tack welds on each of your exhaust trims - this will stop them coming loose and rattling (prevention being better than cure and all that..)

Cheers
Rob

[ErnestM]

Cheers Rob! If I ever get over the pond I'll buy you that pint

ErnestM

[kmaier]

Ernest,

Basically, I agree w/Rob. No problem to drive it (worst case, you can lose a tailpipe). If it were me, I would be inclined to remove the exhaust system and bring it to a shop that does good welding and have them add additional bracing. Beyond that, I've not seen the inlet pipes (from the cats) cracking. In my case, it's always been the outlet pipes and always cracking at the welds where the braces are put on.

I have concluded that the current stock of exhaust systems were poorly made, ie, the actual bending of the pipes is not that accurate, so they are held in place and then the braces (which are too small) are welded on. This gives you a stressed set of welds and as the pipes are weakest where the welds are, this is where they start to crack. Hope this helps...

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

Thanks Kevin. I am really shocked that they didn't spot this at Dimmit when it was there. Oh, well. I am thinking of eventually going with the exhaust system that Rob.e is using, so I am just going to "patch the problem" for now as I should be ready for another trip to the shop in a few months for other things (some carpet replacement, standard service, etc) so I will let them have a shot at a new (Rob.e stylee) muffler/exhaust install as well...

Cheers

ErnestM

[rob.e]

kmaier said: Ernest,

Basically, I agree w/Rob. No problem to drive it (worst case, you can lose a tailpipe). If it were me, I would be inclined to remove the exhaust system and bring it to a shop that does good welding

Yeah, i thought of suggesting that, but if its cracked completely, there's a risk that the welder guy won't get it lined up right.. might be easiest to 'tack' weld it on the car to get the alignment right, then take it off to weld it properly?

and have them add additional bracing. Beyond that, I've not seen the inlet pipes (from the cats) cracking. In my case, it's always been the outlet pipes and always cracking at the welds where the braces are put on.

I have concluded that the current stock of exhaust systems were poorly made, ie, the actual bending of the pipes is not that accurate, so they are held in place and then the braces (which are too small) are welded on. This gives you a stressed set of welds and as the pipes are weakest where the welds are, this is where they start to crack. Hope this helps...

Regards, KM
2000 V8

Good idea about the additional bracing - Ernest, i'll send you a better pic of my moto-concept exhaust, it has and additional brace between the tail pipe and the input pipe which will make help resist the cracking in future.

Cheers
Rob

[ErnestM]

Excellent Rob. I think that JAE sells the Moto Concept exhaust, so that is probably where I will get it. I was actually considering a Tubi, but after I read your stuff on LotusEspritWorld, I think I have pretty much decided on the Moto Concept...

Cheers

ErnestM