17 replies to this topic

[Big Man]

I keep on getting a blow from the exhaust joint where the exhaust clamps to the bit that joins the engine below the carb (hope that makes sense)

It is a bugger to tighten and have had it in to have a new bracket on when the exhaust was replaced, after about 2000 miles its now blowing form the joint, anyone have any fix ideas or is it just a case of undoing, cleaning and reassembling?

Cheers


BM

[Scruffs]

I keep on getting a blow from the exhaust joint where the exhaust clamps to the bit that joins the engine below the carb (hope that makes sense)

It is a bugger to tighten and have had it in to have a new bracket on when the exhaust was replaced, after about 2000 miles its now blowing form the joint, anyone have any fix ideas or is it just a case of undoing, cleaning and reassembling?

Cheers


BM

You mean the joint between the downpipe and the exhaust?

Are you using any sort of assembly paste/sealant? having said that it should seal 95% of the way without any kind of gunk on there. Are you using the right size clamp?

[Globule]

On mine someone had lovingly welded half or a door hinge (yep a standard door hinge from a house door) onto the pipe and that in turn ripped away the side of my pipe so maybe its worth having a look at the pipe as it may be blowing due to a tear or something! otherwise i'd say what you said, remove it, clean it up then put it back!

[taffy1967]

Ensure that all the engine steady bushes are in good shape (plus the engine mounts) and just as important, make sure that the manifold/downpipe bracket is secured to the rear/side of the gearbox.

If the bolt is loose or missing, get it sorted because if it's not being supported there you're manifold and downpipe will always become loose with engine movement and they could even fracture.

[Matt]

i second that.. engine steadies tend to crack exhausts!

[Big Man]

Checked an my exhaust is not cracked its just leaking at the top joint, reckon your bang on re the engine steadies as can see movement when I touch the rocker cover on the big one to the left! reckon the rubber is worn out!!!! Wll prob get a new one from Stanford hall on Sunday.

Cheers

BM

[taffy1967]

Don't forget to check the one on the rear/side of the gearbox too, because that has just as much effect on keeping you're manifold/downpipe gas tight and like I said, if it's not secured there then the joint is going to open up again in no time.

[taffy1967]

Checked an my exhaust is not cracked its just leaking at the top joint, reckon your bang on re the engine steadies as can see movement when I touch the rocker cover on the big one to the left! reckon the rubber is worn out!!!! Wll prob get a new one from Stanford hall on Sunday.

Cheers

BM

Either replace the bushes with O/E rubber or perhaps those Polyflex types that are claimed to last longer.

Just don't fit hardened Polyurethane bushes because their far too hard and will shear the steady bolt off in you're block. Happened to me and it's not fun.

[Matt]

hmm so wheres it leaking from the manifold.. the Y pipe or underneith?

[taffy1967]

Sounds like the Manifold to Downpipe flange?

[Big Man]

hmm so wheres it leaking from the manifold.. the Y pipe or underneith?

Its a bog standard OE exhaust set up so its an all in one no Y Piece its the clamp that clamps the exhaust to the standard manifold just at the back of the top of the block at the back.

Well standard apart form a different back box any way but thats ok.

[taffy1967]

Well if you're ever flush in the future, invest in a Maniflow Cooper Freeflow manifold (LCB for 1275cc engined Minis) and you're flange leaking woes will be a thing of the past.

[Big Man]

I have an LCB and Y piece all that I am missing is the manifold to fit so reckon a purchase may be in order!!!!

[taffy1967]

I believe an LCB would probably be a bit too big for a 998cc engine and their really only suitable for Minis fitted with 1275cc engines or larger?

I've heard that a Cooper Freeflow manifold from Maniflow would be more suitable and make a real difference?

[Big Man]

Excuse me being bit thick but would the standard exhaust just bolt onto the Cooper Freeflow manifold ? Also I thought an LCB as part of a stage 1 kit was a standard performance upgrade for a 998?

Cheers

BM