106 1.5 Diesel Keeps Fracturing Downpipes
Discussion
Bit of a strange one this. I've a few ideas in my head that might be causing it, but wanted to post to get other peoples views.
Dad's 106 1.5d. 105k miles on the clock, unknown service history before we owned it but doesn't burn any oil.
It cracked a downpipe a good few months ago
Downpipe was replaced and when it was replaced, the friend who fitted it said manifold bolts were loose also.
All torqued up and fine for a few weeks. Then brand new downpipe cracked again. 2 days later after driving like this, the mid section cracked and snapped completely. No rust / corrosion at either bit either. Clean breaks.
Dad's friend noticed where the bolt joins the downpipe to the engine to secure it was really slack. So bolt had slackened, causing downpipe to vibrate and crack.
Fitted down pipe number 3. Look underneath with engine running and vibrating really badly again. Few days later bolt loosens itself due to excessive vibrations and few months later downpipe has cracked again.
Engine mounts "feel ok" but not 100% sure the best way to test them. Put it in gear and tried pulling away with handbrake on and checking movement of engine and feeling for any clunks ect. All seemed fine, but not 100% certain.
The only other thing i can think of causing the vibrations through the engine could be the engine running rough. It sounds really chattery in the mornings and if you rev it hard when cold (i don't make a habit of this, was just to test) it shoots out a fair bit of soot from the exhaust. I'm wondering if maybe one or more of the injectors isn't firing correctly and is causing the engine to run rough and vibrate too much?
Any ideas from anyone else, as a bit stuck just now and it's getting annoying changing downpipes all the time.
Dad's 106 1.5d. 105k miles on the clock, unknown service history before we owned it but doesn't burn any oil.
It cracked a downpipe a good few months ago
Downpipe was replaced and when it was replaced, the friend who fitted it said manifold bolts were loose also.
All torqued up and fine for a few weeks. Then brand new downpipe cracked again. 2 days later after driving like this, the mid section cracked and snapped completely. No rust / corrosion at either bit either. Clean breaks.
Dad's friend noticed where the bolt joins the downpipe to the engine to secure it was really slack. So bolt had slackened, causing downpipe to vibrate and crack.
Fitted down pipe number 3. Look underneath with engine running and vibrating really badly again. Few days later bolt loosens itself due to excessive vibrations and few months later downpipe has cracked again.
Engine mounts "feel ok" but not 100% sure the best way to test them. Put it in gear and tried pulling away with handbrake on and checking movement of engine and feeling for any clunks ect. All seemed fine, but not 100% certain.
The only other thing i can think of causing the vibrations through the engine could be the engine running rough. It sounds really chattery in the mornings and if you rev it hard when cold (i don't make a habit of this, was just to test) it shoots out a fair bit of soot from the exhaust. I'm wondering if maybe one or more of the injectors isn't firing correctly and is causing the engine to run rough and vibrate too much?
Any ideas from anyone else, as a bit stuck just now and it's getting annoying changing downpipes all the time.
Retroman said:
Bit of a strange one this. I've a few ideas in my head that might be causing it, but wanted to post to get other peoples views.
Dad's 106 1.5d. 105k miles on the clock, unknown service history before we owned it but doesn't burn any oil.
It cracked a downpipe a good few months ago
Downpipe was replaced and when it was replaced, the friend who fitted it said manifold bolts were loose also.
All torqued up and fine for a few weeks. Then brand new downpipe cracked again. 2 days later after driving like this, the mid section cracked and snapped completely. No rust / corrosion at either bit either. Clean breaks.
Dad's friend noticed where the bolt joins the downpipe to the engine to secure it was really slack. So bolt had slackened, causing downpipe to vibrate and crack.
Fitted down pipe number 3. Look underneath with engine running and vibrating really badly again. Few days later bolt loosens itself due to excessive vibrations and few months later downpipe has cracked again.
Engine mounts "feel ok" but not 100% sure the best way to test them. Put it in gear and tried pulling away with handbrake on and checking movement of engine and feeling for any clunks ect. All seemed fine, but not 100% certain.
The only other thing i can think of causing the vibrations through the engine could be the engine running rough. It sounds really chattery in the mornings and if you rev it hard when cold (i don't make a habit of this, was just to test) it shoots out a fair bit of soot from the exhaust. I'm wondering if maybe one or more of the injectors isn't firing correctly and is causing the engine to run rough and vibrate too much?
Any ideas from anyone else, as a bit stuck just now and it's getting annoying changing downpipes all the time.
What sort of nick is the lower gearbox mount in? It's a big circular bush behind the back of the gearbox and the bulkhead underneath the car.Dad's 106 1.5d. 105k miles on the clock, unknown service history before we owned it but doesn't burn any oil.
It cracked a downpipe a good few months ago
Downpipe was replaced and when it was replaced, the friend who fitted it said manifold bolts were loose also.
All torqued up and fine for a few weeks. Then brand new downpipe cracked again. 2 days later after driving like this, the mid section cracked and snapped completely. No rust / corrosion at either bit either. Clean breaks.
Dad's friend noticed where the bolt joins the downpipe to the engine to secure it was really slack. So bolt had slackened, causing downpipe to vibrate and crack.
Fitted down pipe number 3. Look underneath with engine running and vibrating really badly again. Few days later bolt loosens itself due to excessive vibrations and few months later downpipe has cracked again.
Engine mounts "feel ok" but not 100% sure the best way to test them. Put it in gear and tried pulling away with handbrake on and checking movement of engine and feeling for any clunks ect. All seemed fine, but not 100% certain.
The only other thing i can think of causing the vibrations through the engine could be the engine running rough. It sounds really chattery in the mornings and if you rev it hard when cold (i don't make a habit of this, was just to test) it shoots out a fair bit of soot from the exhaust. I'm wondering if maybe one or more of the injectors isn't firing correctly and is causing the engine to run rough and vibrate too much?
Any ideas from anyone else, as a bit stuck just now and it's getting annoying changing downpipes all the time.
If that's worn badly, the engine will have plenty of front to back movement lower down, as it'll basically be swinging on the drivers side wing mount and the battery tray gearbox mount. It might not be obvious to the eye when rocking the car or moving the engine, as the exhaust would help take the strain..
unless it snapped! Oh.
Worth a check!
I had a look at the lower gearbox mount while i was inspecting the downpipe and visually it looks perfect. We tried putting the car in gear and with the handbrake on tried to pull away with sharp clutch movements to inspect the gearbox and engine movement but it seemed fine. The only strange looking thing we've noticed is the excessive vibrations comming off the engine but i know they aren't that refined at the best of times.
Considering replacing all the engine and box mounts as a precaution though to see how it gets on.
Considering replacing all the engine and box mounts as a precaution though to see how it gets on.
Krikkit said:
Is the exhaust bolted up to the small support on the bottom of the gearbox? That's supposed to help protect the manifold if the engine is moving around a bit too much.
Yep I would say this, there is an 8mm Allen key headed bolt or should be between the sump and gearbox area to secure the down pipe.Carl
eliotrw said:
Being a 306 owner, I would use the following method to find the issue.
Is it made in france?
Yes
Does it have engine mounts ?
Yes
Its those.
So helpful...Is it made in france?
Yes
Does it have engine mounts ?
Yes
Its those.
Check all engine mounts, found a few 106's with the bolt under the drivers side engine mount snapped. Doesn't become apparent until you remove it.
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff