Replacement clutch = cracked manifold ?

[RUSSELLM]

Hi ya folks

I've had my clutch replaced last Thursday, and after about 20 miles, I could hear the car blowing on the left hand side (sounds like it's coming from the bottom of the engine)

I took it to my local indie, and he pointed to where the new sealant had been used to put the manifold back on, and that it was most likely letting air out from there.

I took it back to the clutch garage yesterday morning & they rang me to say they couldn't hear anything wrong

I went to collect the car last night, but I could still hear it blowing. After a 15 minute drive, I think I've managed to convince them that it's not right & they suggested a cracked manifold. So I left it with them again.

Last night, I couldn't sleep for thinking about the car. I've come to the conclusion, that with the benefit of having four mechanics, they can't hear that the car isn't right.

I've lost faith in their ability to work on the car & have asked them to leave it alone. I'll get it fixed locally.

Any ideas as to what can cause the blowing ? Is there any way the manifold can be put back on out of line slightly ?

[350matt]

The best way to check for 'blowing' is to get the car in the air so you can get underneath and then start it up when cold, while its still cold feel around the joint with your hands ( it will heat up fairly rapidly so be quick!) so will be able to feel any leaks even small ones need sealing up as they get a lot worse under load

It's probably just a case of pulling off the cats and being a bit more liberal with the exhaust sealant, that said its not unknown for the manifold to crack where the pipes meet so check there too

Matt

[mad mark]

Did they remove the manifolds to do the clutch? You dont have to but it can be a bit of a squeeze getting the G.box past them. Some people rest the G.box on the manifolds. So either way this could have caused a break somewhere along the manifold.

I'm about to do my clutch so i'll look out for possible weak points along the manifolds.

[simonkd]

Sorry to hear about this most recent complication Mate, just hope it's an easy fix this time. What with all you've had recently no wonder you're considering parting company with Her but a least this time sounds like it's not Her fault.

Regards
Simon.

[RUSSELLM]

Thanks Simon.

Yes Mark, they did remove the manifold. Horizon have had a look at it for me and mentioned that they don't disturb it when they replace the clutch.

The place that did the clutch should sort it really, but I've lost faith in them. At that point I'd rather cut my losses with them & pay some one else to fix it.

[simonkd]

Russell YHM!

[mad mark]

RUSSELLM said:

Yes Mark, they did remove the manifold. Horizon have had a look at it for me and mentioned that they don't disturb it when they replace the clutch.

Which manifold did they remove? It might help tracking down the blowing.
What do you mean "they don't disturb it when they replace the clutch"?

[RUSSELLM]

It's blowing on the left hand side.

I'll ask Horizon what they meant by not disturbing it, I think I'll let them have a go at the old girl.

Is there anyone who works on TVR's, that doesn't leave oily finger marks on the inside of your car.

Or am I just unlucky