5 replies to this topic

[S2000Steve]

Hi,
1995 Cooper with 1300 MG Metro engine.

Hi all, my cooper smells of exhaust fumes when accelerating.

I have been told it is where the manifold is pulling away from the head, I have been told this is because the torque produced by the engine moves the engine slightly causing a gap.
I will be getting a new RC 40 full exhaust system including manifold but need to save up.

Does anyone have any tricks I can use till I can get enough cash?

Would doubling up manifold gasket with exhaust paste and tightening the nuts do the trick short term?

Thanks.

Edited by S2000Steve, 09 February 2011 - 07:37 PM.

[Big_Adam]

We on the old exhaust right?

The way I put mine on that seemed to work was undo the lower exhaust mount on the engine (also who ever told you the torque was pulling it away needs a slap, the exhaust is BOLTED to the engine ... anyway) and then undo the exhaust clamp.

Then plonk a jack under the exhaust and lift it so its nice and flush on the two flanges. Then coat, and I mean COAT the clamp in exhaust assembly paste, and slap it on the flange and do the bolt up good and tight, then go and do up the bottom clamp again with the jack still in place if you can, if not just do it best you can then run the engine to temp.

Works for me for a good year or so. MOT man though I overdid it.

[Cooperman]

Hi,
1995 Cooper with 1300 MG Metro engine.

Hi all, my cooper smells of exhaust fumes when accelerating.

I have been told it is where the manifold is pulling away from the head, I have been told this is because the torque produced by the engine moves the engine slightly causing a gap.
I will be getting a new RC 40 full exhaust system including manifold but need to save up.

Does anyone have any tricks I can use till I can get enough cash?

Would doubling up manifold gasket with exhaust paste and tightening the nuts do the trick short term?

Thanks.

That seems to be an unlikely reason for the fumes. Check the joint where the manifold joints the exhaust pipe. If that is OK, check the boot seal as if fumes get into the boot they will get into the interior as the boot is not sealed from the interior of the car.
If the fumes are under the bonnet, as has been suggested to you, how are they getting inside? There should be no holes between engine compartment and interior. If there are then they should be blocked up properly.
If the engine is rocking back and forth you should change the engine steady bushes and/or the engine mountings. Engines should not be able to rock excessively.
Make sure also that the exhaust is secured at the bottom of the engine where a clamp and clamp plate should secure it to the RH diff output cover plate. This stops the exhaust from fracturing due to fatigue.
I hope this helps.

[S2000Steve]

Thanks guys,

Think it is because I have no clamp or clamp plate at the bottom of the engine.

Looks like another weekend job.

I renewed the engine steady bushes and mountings when I had the engine out. It only slightly moves so should be alright.

Will also look for holes in bulkhead and check seal in boot.

Good advice.

[thebullet]

If you can move the engine slightly the car will throw it about. Mine is solid but moves when driving. Could be the engine mounts? or front subframe rear mounts like mine is. My exhaust bracket underneath has actually cracked but i think that is due to the engine moving.

[lawnmowercrap]

Simple checks first. Its a metro engine, so you're running the metro inlet system.
These have to have really thick washers fitted, but cut into the shape of a 'D'. That way, it evenly bolts the inlet and exhaust manifold at the same pressure, as opposed to simply bolting the inlet tight.

Just look where the manifolds bolt up and see if they are flush with each other.

Engine mounts wont cause a manifold blow, they will cause the exhaust system to crack.

The torque produced from a metro engine is no where near enough to push manifolds off.

The reason it smells more when you accelerate, is because A) Youre producing more exhaust gasses B) Youre travelling forward faster, pushing the gasses into the cabin.