Exhaust weld / repair

[gin-fizz-whizz]

2001 Caterham with a standard catalyst K-Series single pipe exhaust system.

 

The circular weld between the tail pipe and the end cheek of the silencer has started to fail; currently about 1/3rd of the circumference is affected. This is only visible when the system is hot, I assume when greater expansion of the internal pipe takes place. I think this is a common weak point.

 

I know that stainless steel can be (TIG?) welded. What cost should I expect for this and can it be done on the car?

 

Can anyone recommend a place for this work in the Brighton / Haywards Heath area?

 

[Badger Bill]

Got mine done by a place recommended by a friend close to us near Chester, so miles from you, cost £20. Make sure that they put on a little triangular support underneath the end pipe to stop it happening again, I'll try and e-myther you a pic to show you what my old one looks like.

 

BB

 

Edited by - Badger Bill on 27 Jul 2010 11:27:26

[Paul Deslandes]

probably a bit far from you but Tenon Engineering in Dorking would do it for you for little money. Try a search of precision engineers or similar in www.yell.co.uk for your area. You'll be amazed at the talents lurking in the back streets around you.

 

 

[Doug phillips]

A frend of Mr Flatters did mine a few years ago, his workshop is in Mitcham not that close to you ☹️. The good news is that it only cost £10, for him to fix it .

 

Su77on Se7ener

 

[richard bradbury]

Try 01306713628 and speak to Jeff-he has a bit of a stutter so be patient. He did my exhaust (tig weld) for £20. He is based at - Copse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Bear Green, RH5 4LJ.

 

bradders

[DaveMorris]

To answer your second question - YES it can be done on the car - but to make it easier for the welder (and also to prevent any potential for damage to circuitry etc you are much better taking the can off the car,

Dave.

[gin-fizz-whizz]

Numpty alert! ☹️

 

How easy / tricky is it to remove the exhaust for this? Is it elementary spannering? The rear fixings look very straightforward but what about the front?

 

 

[Badger Bill]

dead easy, let it cool first or take thick gloves!!! undo U-clamp inside engine bay, then both mounting bolts outside the car on the silencer, spray a bit of WD40 or such at the join, a bit of a wiggle/pull/swear/wd40/wiggle/pull/sw... you get the idea, and POP it is off.

 

BB

 

PS For mine for some reason the WD40 was critical, otherwise it would never have come off. Don;t know why, but there you go.

[gin-fizz-whizz]

So the whole exhaust comes away in one go then, including the heat shield and cat? There's me thinking it separated at the cat - told you I'm a numpty.

 

Thanks

 

[shn7]

All, from the joint inside the engine bay, in one Roy. The heat shield can be removed before or after and even left in place whilst the repair is done assuming it's not in the welder's way.

 

Steve.

Not forgetting Percy the Polar Bear who recommends

Puddle Pet Care

[gin-fizz-whizz]

Job done - was simplicity itself thanks to the good advice given by those on this thread.

 

Removed the exhaust and popped in to see Jeff at Bear Green. TIG welded in 15 minutes

 

Bit of elbow grease and Autosol and it's back on the car looking

 

No crossed threads, blood blisters or chipped paint and I also put up some shelves on the same day too 😬