Exhaust

[lazarus]

Hi

can one repair an exhaust these days, I have a small hole in the back pipe on my 04 kontiki in ye olden days you could patch them up for the mot,not so sure in these EU ruled days!

[Derek Uzzell]

There's nothing forbidding a vehicle's exhaust system from being repaired. The MOT test exhaust-related requirements are shown here:

 

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_710.htm

[George Collings]

The MOt Testers manual See: http://www.partinfo.co.uk/

 

States that repairs have to be durable. Patches tied on with wire are probably a no-no.

 

A pinhole is not a reason for failure as long as there is no danger of exhaust gasses leaking into the passenger compartment.

[Dave Newell]

Patching and repairing exhaust systems is a false economy, at ten years old the front pipe is likely to be on its last legs (they generally go at the joint to the main section). Euro Car Parts list the system at a reasonable cost http://www.eurocarparts.com/exhaust-parts

 

D.

[lazarus]

Thanks for the info

I am at a point where I am deciding to buy a new van or keep this one and having looked around at what's on the market can't really see the need to part company with the beast it has never let me down and it has all I need , all I would be getting is the same but a bit shinier,my only reason for swapping would be to downsize slightly, but then again as I am planning on touring the world quite soon I want space

or is this a false economy as things start to need replacing? I have replaced all the tyres had timing belt sorted full service, thinking of stainless exhaust if I keep it which is most probable,if anyone could point me in the right direction I would be most grateful.

Er and no that is not a dooble Entendre!,

[George Collings]

Its a good idea to read through the testers manual. Some changes from original spec such as missing catylitic converter can be a reason for failure.

 

Most off the shelf replacement silencers are coated mild steel and as demand for van sytems in S/S

is low you will probably have to get one specially made. There is probably a specialist locally catering for the boy racers.

[Brian Kirby]

If the original system has lasted 10 years - and diesel exhaust systems generally last far better than petrol exhausts - there would seem little advantage paying extra for stainless. If a replacement of equivalent quality is available (BTW, have you checked the price of manufacturer's parts?), it should last as long, by which time the van would be circa 20 years old. Enough?

[lazarus]

Thanks lads

you have clarified things for me, s/s is not the way to go as I probably won't last as long as the original exhaust anyway!!

[Derek Uzzell]

You might find that there is not an enormous price difference between a stainless-steel exhaust system and a good quality mild-steel type. This website

 

http://www.longlife.co.uk/dealer-locator/

 

lists UK dealers that should be able to provide a quote.

 

[mildi]

I had the tail section of my exhaust replaced in May, van is only four years old but the end piece had got very rusty and bits had started breaking off at the end. I took the tail section off (about a meter or so)

and didn't like the look of it. Phoned the local Fiat dealer and gave them the chassis number but they said that it must have been altered by the manufacturer as the silencer box and tail piece are all one unit and do not have a join as mine had.

I found a company near Southampton that made me a new tail section from stainless steel while I waited for £45, took it home and fitted it, all the bends in the right place and perfect fit.