exhaust blow

[bucklandr2d2]

Is it common for the exhaust to blow at the manifold joint, mine is fitted with a stainless exhaust.

[bmcecosse]

No - it must NOT blow there at all - or it won't pass the MOT!

[chrisryder]

it is common, for it to blow there yet. i tend to put some sealant on, used to use copper grease, but exhaust assembly putting does the trick too.

there are different clamps on the market. i wouldnt bother with the cheaper pressed steel ones, they don't last. cast ones are best in my opinion.

[bmcecosse]

I'm afraid i think the pressed steel ones are better......
But certainly - both the manifold and the exhaust must be clean and undamaged - a wipe of exhaust paste on the surfaces and then use a small jack to clamp the pipe up hard against the manifold - another wipe of paste around the outside, then fit the clamp (with brass nuts on the bolts) and wind it up evenly on both sides - not TOO tight. Don't forget the bracket and spring for the throttle return..... Then remove the jack - make sure the system is supported at two points on the car - firmly but not so tight it can't move with the engine. Bob is the uncle.........
Some folks fit a steady bracket from the engine backplate to the pipe just below the manifold - but I have never had to do this.

[chrisryder]

after having a small blow, tightening the pressed clamp that was on there briefly cured it. then it came back again. so we tightened it some more. this was repeated a few times (assuming nuts vibrating loose) until the clamp split... Cast ones all the way since then. But each to their own.

[bucklandr2d2]

thanks everybody, some more sealent I think

[taupe]

Hi

Ive found whether you use the cast or pressed clamp that the most important thing is to completely clean all of the old exhaust sealant from the manifold. Without this it will never clamp properly.

After doing this I have never had one blow again.

Taupe

[Declan_Burns]

I prefer the cast clamp and as mentioned by BMC use the jack to locate the exhaust against the manifold. Make sure everything is nice and clean an the bell on the exhaust is a snug fit. I also fitted the copper ring mentioned here.
http://www.mmoc.org.uk/index.php?page=336
I also made up this adjustable bracket bolted to the gearbox which also helps prevent the exhaust pipe rattling against the aperture.[frame][/frame]
Regards
Declan