34 replies to this topic

[Mini Manannán]

I don't use exhaust paste, just good quality clamps.

[fenghuang]

I assumed my clamps were good quality, as they came with my Minispares Stage 1 kit and ended up with two blowing joints.
That's not to say your clamps aren't much better.

[chris29]

Hi guys,

 

Update: So after investigation I found that the gasket was completely blown between the front pipe and the manifold.

 

So I ordered the stage 1 kit and started removing the parts:

 

Exhaust back pipe and cat removed

Air filter , inlet manifold and mount taken off

Bonnet off (to give me more access)

 

Problems I'm having: I can't get the three bolts that connect the manifold to the front pipe loose. So currently the manifold is just hanging off the back of the engine with the front pipe attached. 

 

Once the manifold and front pipe are separated I need to find the engine mount at the back of the engine that needs removing so that I can rock the engine to fish the manifold out. Then I need to drill holes in the subframe (for the centre exit) , and then on to actually fitting the new kit. Is that right?

[maccers]

Am not sure exactly what 3 bolts they are, but things down thee get hot, cold, hot, cold etc, try some WD40 or some other penetrating oil if you have not already. Maybe try some heat (without setting the car on fire..!) of if you are going to bin the current exhaust system in place of your shiny new stage 1 kit, try and cut them away or the actual pipe to get them out.

 

I've done loads of full exhaust system replacements on carb based minis and motorcycles, I use copper based silicone that comes in a tube to seal up where the two pipes sleeve into each other before the clamp. Its hi-temp stuff and works well, less messy too than the paste!

[Carlos W]

Where in Kent are you?

[chris29]

Yeah I was worried about using heat because I spilt a bit of petrol down there, (jacked the back of the car up while the injectors were off not thinking) plus a small oil leak  so knowing my luck I've just sprayed some wd40 down there the last two days. Thanks for the advice!

 

I work on the car around Sevenoaks but I live near Bromley. I need to join a mini club really, but I've never gotten round to it.

[gazza82]

You need proper penetrating fluid ... 'normal' WD40 isn't the best especially on rusty exhaust bolts ...

I say 'normal' because I believe there is a WD40 product that is marketed as penetrating fluid ... Never tried it so can't comment on its efficiency.

Edited by gazza82, 10 December 2015 - 11:53 PM.

[Carlos W]

I could give you a hand, but probably not this side of Christmas.

[chris29]

That's interesting I might have a go with that, thanks Gazza.

 

Thanks Carlos that's really kind. I should be okay completing this by myself (if these bolts are still stuck next year I will probably have set the mini on fire anyway!)

 

I'll be working on the car again Wednesday next week so I'll post an update of my struggles then

[FlyingScot]

Use Plusgas or similar penetrating fluid. WD 40 not the best for this type of application.
I switched to Plusgas for rusty bolts/nuts some years ago, much easier than dowsing in WD40.

FS

[gazza82]

chris29: can you get us any pics of the bolts you mention? Are they to clamp the pipes to one another? I'm not familiar with the MPI and all the pics I can find seem to be of normal circular clamps ...

[nicklouse]

chris29: can you get us any pics of the bolts you mention? Are they to clamp the pipes to one another? I'm not familiar with the MPI and all the pics I can find seem to be of normal circular clamps ...

I bet it is the ones that go on the studs on the manifold that hold the down pipes on. Like the Metro.

Edited by nicklouse, 11 December 2015 - 11:07 AM.

[gazza82]

Link isn't working Nick

[chris29]

Hi Gazza,

 

Yeah I should be able to take a photo on Sunday (the Mini's not in my own garage)

 

I'm hoping the WD40 I soaked the bolts in has made a little difference.
 

I'll try and describe where they are: They clamp the bottom of the manifold to the front pipe. So they can be seen looking down the back of the engine and from underneath the car. I think Nick has the right idea.

 

I was thinking of making a thread talking through my mpi stage 1 in detail (once I finish). But I'm not sure I should considering my inexperience, what do you think?

 

[gazza82]

Like the ones on this minispares manifold? Two at front of the Y-piece and one on the other end to the main pipe?

 

http://www.minispare...t/C-AEG365.aspx

 

 

 

or the ones through the top flange on this one (right hand pipe)

 

http://www.minispare...st/Exhaust.aspx

Edited by gazza82, 11 December 2015 - 02:07 PM.