help/advice needed

[J4CKS]

I've just been trying to fit a shiny new Y piece, but I simply can't get it to line up properly with the manifolds inorder to put the clamp back on.
I've spent hours trying to get it to fit and used luggage straps to try and move the manifolds a tiny bit but no joy.
I've got one clamp on, but the other is just a bit out so there is a tiny gap. I'm tempted to drive the 6 miles to my local garage so they can sort it - will this cause any problems??

[Alun450]

Try loosening the manifold bolts a little, its a bugger of a job, expect to take ages, the Y is loose from the exhaust I assume?
I spent all day trying to slowly pull everything together.
Hopefully someone will tell you a magic trick but I think you just have to loosen the lot if you have a serious gap!
Get it all together then tighten progressively!
Goodluck

[J4CKS]

I've lost patients with it unfortunately. Here's how big a gap there is...

I just don't want to damage it by driving to the garage.

[jamienshelly]

Is that exhaust sealant on the "Y" piece? you shouldn't need it if both faces are clean,
If you can get the clamp on by loosening the other clamp then do that and tighten and tap both sides a little bit at a time, it should close up as the clamp draws it together.

[J4CKS]

Yes, the instructions said to put a little on. I was hoping to do exactly that, tightening bit by bit, however the gap is just great enough to prevent me being able to get the clamp on.

[roseytvr]

As said make sure the other clamp is loose to maximise the play and straps should pull that together. I don't think you will damage it driving but the noise will be defening!!

[Pupp]

A decent ratchet strap across the manifolds is the answer, they do spring out a bit... a little weedy strap probably won't do it, but a proper one will. You'll probably need to put a half twist in to clear the swirl pot. Doesn't look that far away in the pic so don't panic

As mentioned, you could back off the manifold to head fasteners (start from the rear and work forward pair by pair until it fits if you go this route; but shouldn't be necessary and they're probably best not disturbed if you really don't need to (unless you're very sure they're free and won't snap like carrots or strip)

[Alexdaredevils]

Lever bar/long bit of wood either side pushing the manifolds in, and get someone to do the clamp up

[J4CKS]

I've read about people breaking the clamps so was a little worried. I'll give it a go though.
The other thing is that the bolt isn't through far enough for me to get the nut onto the end.
I suppose it could try to find a longer bolt.

[Pupp]

Right, once the clamp is over the mating faces, the trick is to tap round it to seat it and draw the faces into the 'v' - then nip up on the fastener. If you try to use the fastener to draw the clamp on, it will break

[Rugbyfester]

Used 2X ratchet straps worked a treat 1st time was 2 handed the last couple of times I managed it on my own.

Use 1 strap to pull the manifold together the other to pull the Y piece in or out as required for final line up.

[sheel]

jack as said before get a decent ratchet strap across it once you get the clamp on keep tapping it and gradually tighten, start the motor and get it warm keep tapping the clamp while its running and it will pull up

Rich

[Chuffmeister]

It's never going to fit… how about sending it over to me and I'll see if it fits on mine!?

[EGB]

Alexdaredevils said:

Lever bar/long bit of wood either side pushing the manifolds in, and get someone to do the clamp up

Did mine this way without straps. Two long levers either side resting against top suspension bolt. And spacers between body. Leave in place and screw nut on the clamp bolt.

[J4CKS]

The second strap sounds like a good idea. Will try it in the morning and let you know how I get on. Thanks all.

[Chuffmeister]

J4CKS said:

The second strap sounds like a good idea. Will try it in the morning and let you know how I get on. Thanks all.

I all seriousness, I couldn't get my Y-piece back on. Mine were a about the same as yours, but a ratchet did the job nicely.

[Mr Supercharged]

I fitted a clive f one to mine, it did not need any straps to bring the manifolds closer together, it fitted fine. That is with the standard manifolds. This was exactly the same story when I initially fitted these parts on my spare engine before putting them on my car. If your standard y piece fits between the manifolds without forcing the manifold closer together then I would suggest the y piece is not made accurately enough. The problem with forcing parts together to make them fit is that eventually with heat they will fail prematurely due to stress and crack IMO.

[Pupp]

Yeah? Well my standard and aftermarket Y pieces have been on and off loads of times over 125k+ miles since 97 with nothing cracking and slight springing apart on every occasion. It's perfectly normal

[J4CKS]

This is a clive f one too. With original manifolds. Not sure why I'm struggling tbh.

[Mr Supercharged]

If you are local (Gloucester) you are welcome to try it on my spare engine, but obviously you would need to bring your manifolds. Otherwise you could ask JP Exhausts to look at them on their jig, but they might be funny about it since the y piece isn't one of ACT's.........

Other than that, are you using an unusually thick set of exhaust gaskets?