a/c exhaust brackets - help!

[bath126p]

hi guys

Just finished fitting a new exhaust (standard type bought from ebay) to my 1997 126p EL.

I had to grind the flanges flat to fit the manifold elbows, but otherwise it went on ok. I've had lots of problems with the exhaust brackets breaking so I made sure these were nice and tight.

Imagine my dismay then, when after a 15 mile journey I pull over to discover the bolts that hold the exhaust to the manifold elbows have all rattled out! Any ideas as to why?

Seeing as I will have to buy some more bolts for the elbows, I may as well buy some new exhaust brackets too. Looking on 126fan.sk, it appears I have the older type. Question is, should a later car like mine have the newer type? Maybe this might be why they keep breaking?  

http://www.126fan.sk/eshop/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=exhaust&x=30&y=12

[Darrell]

Did you have spring washers on the bolts when you put them on as they will rattle out if you dont.

Remember to use the brass long nuts on the studded end also with spring washer.

[Rusty's Uncle]

Not too sure about the right brackets issue as there are some very ugly oval exhausts on the market. But when you get the right bits you should fit the exhaust with the elbow mounting bolts loose , get all the bits connected , tighten exhaust to elbow bolts / studs then brackets and then elbow to head. Originaly the exhaust to elbow bolts had a tab type locking washer which you can get  [-/
I use stainless stud connectors with a spring washer, they cover the entire thread on the stud plus a bit so it leaves enough room for a locking grub screw , kind of a lock nut in reverse

[bath126p]

The exhaust is this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIAT-126-HATCHBACK-650-1987-2000-Exhaust-Rear-Silencer-/160468372408?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM

Cheap and nasty! I assume this is one of the bad ones you refer to?

[Allan]

My turn. I have never liked using spring washers on exhausts that close to the head and particually on the air cooleds because they loose their tension with the heat. My preference is the bellville washers that Fiat have used for years. I'm not that keen on brass nuts either. I use the steel ones and make sure that the nut is longer than the stud. This is because the end of the stud sticking out of the nut can rust and cause all sorts of strife when you try to undo it.

[bath126p]

All helpful suggestions, thanks. I think I will order a new bolt kit from Slovakia and go from there, unless anyone can suggest a UK supplier?

I do love this car, but it's quite funny to think I drove it from Poland with no issues and now I can barely do ten miles! Oh well....

[dajwid]

Brackets in Poland are only about 15PLN, why not get them from Poland?

[bath126p]

Can you recommend a good supplier in Poland?

I cannot speak any Polish, and although I have some friends there I do not want to burden them as they were so helpful finding the car.

I think 126fan is my best bet. Nice and cheap too!

Hopefully I will be on UK plates by the end of next week.

[Eklipze3k]

If you need brackets I have a pair in the garage - I don't have the 126 anymore so you're welcome to them

[smallcox]

Hi,

Fiat 2 cyclinder engines do like to break anything you try to bolt to them including the exhaust, the above are all correct just make 100% sure that the silencer box is bolted and fixed well tight in it's brackets because if this can oscilate at all at a diffent frequency to the engine then break it will.

Also is the silencer box itself rigid enough?not just a hollow flimsy box.

I've heard allsorts off bolt used but I have always used quality cap head bolts with steel nut and yes spring washers and never had a days problem with this.  [-/

Be warned if the exhaust does move at all in it's brakets the most likely place for breakages is next to the flange that bolts to the manifold

Smallcox

[bis13]

i hate aircooled exhausts i think i have had around six different in the last three years and they seem to all be made a cardboard! the last after market jobbie i put on broke both lower brackets and both downpipes ended up severed i have repaired it and have made brackets that are welded onto the box made out of 6mm mild steel plate when i get sorted i shall be brave and try again. try a bit of exhaust putty on the threads when you tighten them up as it helps bond.

[bath126p]

Great replies! What an excellent forum.

I think the exhaust is solid enough - not the best quality but it should be ok. If not I will get one from Poland. I have ordered a new bolt kit and brackets from 126 fan, so I will try this first. I will use the locking tabs and then spring washers. As for the brackets, more spring washers and some exhaust putty (which I'm already using)

Bit worried about the manifold issue!

And Eklipze - very kind offer thank you! Unfortunately I live miles away from Huddersfield and can't in good conscience make you post them. Yopu don't happen to live anywhere near Huddersfield Mini Spares do you? I make orders from there so they may be able to chuck them in!

Hope to get this sorted. Then its on to a disc conversion!

[Alfons1972]

don't you bring the exhaust pipe to glow with a welding flame in order to make it loose tension? only a small piece of the pipe needs to glow... look at the circle on the picture...


I do that every time i mount a different exhaust. Since then i newer had problems with breaking brackets or exhaust pipes...

[Eklipze3k]

I drive past Hudds Mini Spares every day on my way to/from work
I can't see them costing much to post, and they're only taking up space. Ohterwise, PM me next time you're making an order from HMS and I'll see about dropping them off down there for you

[bis13]

i like the idea of heating the exhaust up so that it releives any tension caused when tightened up i shall try that theory on my wife when she is over stressed.