4 Branch cracked

[Rick84]

Hi All,

My exhaust manifold has cracked. It's a fairly expensive Ashley so would rather get it repaired, is this possible to do? And if not, are them cheaper unit 3 or raceland ones any good? Better still, does anyone have a similar one for sale? MK2 GTX 1.8i.

Cheers,

Rick

[Nate]

a stainless one i presume? they are more prone to cracking than mild steel. you should be able to repair it ok though. just drill a hole at each end of the crack, then open the crack up slightly with a very very fine cutting disc on a grinder (if you can) then mig weld it. you'll need stainless wire if it is a stainless manifold. best done with decent argoshield not pub gas too

[monzajake]

Ashley ones in sure are a form of mild steel so will be ok for repair, but this isnt the first time ive heard of an ashley manifold cracking. Question is
when / will it crack again and do you want to repair it again ?

The raceland ones seem to be a popular option for many on here. End of the day do you take a chance on the ashely, or shell out for one which again
which seems a popular buy ?

[Rick84]

Nate /Jake thanks for your advice. How much do you reckon it would cost to get it welded at a garage? Unfortunately I don't no anyone personally that can weld. Halfords autocentre said they couldn't do it. If it would cost quite a bit, I might as well get a new raceland one. thanks

[Nate]

try having a look on the mig welding forum, and see if there is someone who is local to you who can do it as a little cash job in their lunch hour

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/index.php

also worth having a look at the projects board, particularly the "small french hatchback" thread

failing that, if you can take it off and send it to me, i'll quite happily weld it up at work and send it back

[duncancallum]

where in mancherster are you bud.

My mate would probably do it for a beer. I would myself but I not happy welding stuff for other people yet.

Or I can get one of that lads in work to do it

[Rick84]

Duncan / Nate, thanks very much for the offers. I've managed to get a 2nd hand one sorted but once it is off I might give you a bell because my brother could have it and it would be a shame to bin it.

Cheers

[MikeH]

If you get it welded up reasonably neatly, it's worth money as a spare or as a part to sell.

Manifolds tend to crack due to dodgy engine mounts. I'd suggest you want to check your mounts and maybe replace them (front and rear ones would be the first ones to look at) so you don't crack the new one.