Post
by MTXM » Tue May 03, 2016 12:56 pm
I have recently completed two quite significant repairs on the car, which both proved quite demanding and especially the eventual resolution of a blowing exhaust last weekend! The earlier task was to replace a low pressure hydraulic suspension return pipe between the offside front and centre spheres that required forward movement of the engine to create space against the bulkhead and then below even more restricted access to address around the steering rack.
It had been eventually possible to replace the entire exhaust system beyond the catalyser, although I was disappointed to note there was still a distinctive blow against the rear manifold, most likely a cracked assembly or gasket leakage, while the manifold-to-cat ring seal and fixings were new. During a further inspection underneath I did spot a nasty crack in the rear manifold casting underside but an-insitu sealant repair brought little if any improvement.
I then decided to attempt removal of the manifold, not knowing whether this was physically possible with the engine in place, given the very tight location and complex and bulky pipework involved. It did prove to be a major task, including release of three engine mounts and the front end to allow maximum jacking and to create space around the subframe, while even then the rear manifold assembly had to be further dismantled to allow removal and rebuilding insitu after initial disconnection. Fortunately no manifold studs broke but an earlier repair had regrettably somewhat reduced the number and the gasket was indeed toast!
The work although extremely arduous has quite transformed the car and for the first time in my ownership the exhaust does sound as it should, so hopefully the effort was worthwhile! Although I took no photos during the work I attach shots of the original cracked manifold pipework and well-worn gasket.
Regards,
Matthew T.
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1989 V6 Exclusive (Poland car) - Now living in a local Motor Museum!
1990 V6sei auto (grey auto)
1990 V6sei manual (gold car)
1990 V6.24 Pallas (Germany car)
1990 V6.24v (Scotland car)
Other previous XM sold and broken too many to mention!