Exhaust flexible joint

[KiwiPom]

Hi, quick question after it my 84 Excel got an advisory at its WOF (aka MOT) that the flexible section had a slight leak. This appears to be part of the front section.

Does fixing the flexible section always involve removal of the exhaust manifold? (I recall doing this some 30 years ago when replacing a head gasket, and it was a real PITA)

[bash]

Just buy a clamp on flexible section and cut the old one off, saves disturbing the other bits.

Bash

[Pete Boole]

No - you shouldn't need to remove the manifold so long as it dismantles ok at the manifold/downpipe flange - not always so easy.

Pete

[rbgosling]

Just buy a clamp on flexible section and cut the old one off, saves disturbing the other bits.

Bash

Yeah, this is my approach - I see that flexi as a service item, tends to be replaced almost every year prior to MOT. There are some badly subsided roads, and speed humps, on my daily commute...

[KiwiPom]

Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks everyone for the advice, I am feeling a bit dum for not thinking of a new flexy that slips over the standard diameter pipe, DOH. On the other hand it shows its worth asking questions!

[barker_001]

This is what I bought for my SE's exhaust, 2" diameter and 250mm long:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115676315431 ... 5707917416

It worked well, although there are a few things to watch for:

Plan carefully where the joint and clamps will end up before cutting, or the rear clamp will end up against the geabox mount and will vibrate against it. Ask me how I know...

You'll have to cut quite a section out of the downpipe in order to fit this joint into it. My exhaust (a stainless one) was much harder to cut than I expected, and the location meant it was fiddly too. I ended up buying a special multi-tool blade to cut the stainless, and even then after the 2 cuts, it was worn out.

Apply lots of exhaust sealant before tightening the clamps, otherwise the joints will leak, even with the clamps done up as tight as they will go.

Good luck!