manifold-downpipe gasket

[steble]

how do people go around changing that gasket with the stupid c clips holding the exhaust together???? in situ

i guess you can lever the clips off with a bit of force but how do you get them back on again????

i guess its easier to whack a 4-2-1 manifold on there

[Nate]

I do the c clips using a length of rope and a long piece of 3x2 timber. Tie the rope in a loop. Pass one end if the loop thru the clip and let both ends hang down the back of the engine. Pass the timber thru the 2 loop ends you have hanging down. Have one end of the timber against the floorpan, and pull down on the other end. Clip will expand. Move wood to the side slightly and release it and job done. Some people will tell you to use an exhaust clamp as a spreader, but having seen how far these will fly, I wouldn't want my fingers anywhere near them - safety first etc

[MacColl]

I ended up buying the tool, picked one up for about £14..
http://sciroccoregisterforum.co.uk/carf ... 14#p104714

Other discussion and methods mentioned here..
http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?2 ... art-number

I still think mine leaks a bit when the car is cold. In future might consider the 6 stud type manifold from other cars.

[Old Mac Rocco]

Agree with MacColl above ^^^^^^^^^^^^
It's a doddle with the right tools and at about 15 squid, well worth it.
Plus an extra pair of hands is always a big help (one under one over).
Can't remember but I'm sure we went for the solid type one ????????

[steble]

thanks guys this one has been on my mind a few weeks :s

i have ordered the new gasket, new clamps and found the tool on ebay :D

def more than happy to pay £15 to make my life easier, i asked local garage (who is also a mate) and he quoted £100+VAT this is a much cheaper option. He obviously doesn't know about the tool lol

[mark1gls]

Thats why I brought to tool and did it myself, exhaust centres was trying to charge silly money for a new down pipe fitted. Its a handy tool to have in your tool box!

[steble]

errr bollocks,

i done it on my own like twice but it still seems to be leaking. the new gasket is def seated properly i took it off and did it again. mad sure it was fully on the manifold before re fitting the downpipe. but it doesn't seem to have sealed :( not sure why it hasn't. maybe i should have put some exhaust paste in too

[Old Mac Rocco]

That is why it is better with two pairs of hands if you can get them.
After fitting the first clamp, we did the offside first, someone went under the car and pushed the exhaust towards the nearside.
This helped seat the gasket before fitting the nearside clamp.
Two possible remedies, 1 - Go under the car and pull the exhaust over to the nearside then rock it back and forwards to see if it helps settle it in.
2 - Release the nearside one and lever the exhaust over to what you think is it's right position and block it off in some way, refit clamp.
Have you taken it for a drive as sometimes this would be enough to settle it in place.
From memory MacColl didn't use any sealant.
Good luck.

[Nate]

You're not meant to put any sealant on these joints. They're intended to allow a bit of movement

[steble]

That is why it is better with two pairs of hands if you can get them.
After fitting the first clamp, we did the offside first, someone went under the car and pushed the exhaust towards the nearside.
This helped seat the gasket before fitting the nearside clamp.
Two possible remedies, 1 - Go under the car and pull the exhaust over to the nearside then rock it back and forwards to see if it helps settle it in.
2 - Release the nearside one and lever the exhaust over to what you think is it's right position and block it off in some way, refit clamp.
Have you taken it for a drive as sometimes this would be enough to settle it in place.
From memory MacColl didn't use any sealant.
Good luck.

unfortunately i couldn't get a second pair of hands yesterday and didn't fancy waiting. the downpipe looks to be in the right position i used a jack to hold it. But i know what you mean i noticed the seating problem in my first attempt

I have to say it seems to have got much better after my drive to work this morning so will have another look later :)

i used a gasket similar to this one, GSF jobby

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280743999182? ... 1497.l2649

[Old Mac Rocco]

I know it's not always easy to get assistance and you have to go it alone.
It makes you think of the easiest way of doing something with just the one pair of hands.
I thought a drive would help as all the vibration and heat helps it find its natural designed position.
Your certainly are a lot happier than you were yesterday, "errr bollocks", to , must be doing something right.

[steble]

its still blowing gaskets def in right place i'm going to have to keep fiddling till i get the downpipe to sit right :s lol

[Old Mac Rocco]

Did you slacken off the joint between the down pipe and the middle section when fitting ??????
The reason I am asking this is that it could in it's right place side to side, but not front to back.
Can you feel where it is blowing ?????
Standing at the front of the car looking towards the boot, use twelve o'clock as the side nearest the boot and the side nearest you as 6 o'clock can you tell where it is blowing ??????

[steble]

will look into it and get back to you on that :) lovely day down here on the south coast :) so will have a look when i get home.

[Old Mac Rocco]

lovely day down here on the south coast :)

Lucky you