johnu

1987 S4 auto

I just put on a new xpipe, and I noticed that the exhaust manifold (rt hand side of car) has a crack at the flange that meets the xpipe. The crack goes about 3/4 of the way around the exhaust manifold pipe at the flange.

What are my options? I don't want to replace the manifold because I KNOW I will snap at least one bolt!

Could the crack be welded from the inside of the pipe? The pipe is a little rusty and looks thin...not sure if a weld would even work.

I think the best option would be to take the old flange off of the manifold and put on a new one. Does anyone make a flange that is already attached to a small piece of pipe that could go over the exhaust manifold pipe (with a clamp)?

thanks
John

Lizard928

To weld it, you must first remove.
If you remove you might as well replace.

Mrmerlin

when you refit the new manifold,
also include the bracket that attaches to the bell housing bolt,
this will steady the manifold flange and prevent it from flexing and then cracking.

NOTE there should be a bracket on both manifolds.

NOTE Also make sure that the center pipes hanger is installed,
this would be just ahead of the rear TT to trans connection,
this will reduce the amount of movement the rear of the pipe system has

Kevin in Atlanta

Might as well replace them both - the other one cannot be far behind.