mk4 exhuast - repair or replace?

[richy]

Hi.  The exhaust on my mk4 is very rattly when I first turn on the engine on from cold, but once it gets warmed up it's nice and quiet.  It's been like this for a while, but it's starting not to quieten down so much when it wams up.

I expect that this is because there is a small hole/crack/gap which closes up when the exhaust heats up and expands.  

When I get a new one, I want a Milltek so I don't want to wait until it falls off/ is wrecked ( cos then I won't be able to drive it to AMD! ).  

If the gap is on a join, then is there a chance that it can be effectively repaired? -  I don't know much about the design of a Mk4 exhaust.  Even when I look under the car, I cant see where the problem is.  

i.e. is it worth me taking it to a local garage for a patch-up, or should I just head straight to AMD, don't pass go, and hand over my hard earned cash?  

[topher]

Milltek  

[Fielder5757]

Straight to AMD, Dont past go, Dont collect a speeding fine, Just go have that new exhaust on that badboy  

[richy]

hmm.  I was worried this would be the kind of "advice" I'd get  

[antgti]

I would check the system with the hep of a freind, put it up on axle stands and then start the engine, while you lay under the car, get your friend to cover the tailpipe which should force the exhaust gases through the crack and make it easier to find, Then use some exhaust putty or sealant to plug the hole, remember this is a short term fix and don't expect it to hold forever.

I personally would also (depepnding on where the crack is) just check all your engine mounts are ok and that there is not too much movememnt there, as in the past i have had a case where the engine mount is lose and in one case broken and this snaps the exhaust eventually as it the engine keeps moving it.

Also yes to the Milltek, i got mine on my Ibiza FR 20vT and it sounds the bollox, backfires and pops nicely on overun,

[dubslug]

again try and fix it first, go to a local exhaust place and ask the to check it out normally free and normally free or next to nothing to fix it, then in time get the new exhaust

[topher]

but just look at all the shiny milltek steel  







at the risk of being completely disliked by your wife richy, i will not stop persuading until she lets you put one of these on your motor  

[Len]

If its rattling then its probably a baffle inside one of the boxes which can only be fixed by replacement.

Therefore same advice as the majority - get the new system!

[richy]

Tophuh,

who did the work for you, mate, and how much did it affect your insurance premium?

but just look at all the shiny milltek steel  

at the risk of being completely disliked by your wife richy, i will not stop persuading until she lets you put one of these on your motor  

[topher]

Did the valance myself. Stealthracing fitted the 'zorst and a dump valve for ?50, but remember I had the downpipe and cat fitted too.
Chris.