Exhaust manifold - She Blows!!

[Ceptor]

GolfVR6 I've sent you a PM.

[Ceptor]

I've now finnished the job.

I collected the weld repaired manifold today, crack 3" long welded up. I then refitted the manifold (left the down pipe attached) and inlet manifold using new hardware, nuts etc, the VAG supplied manifold nuts are brass to prevent corrosion - much better than the original.

While the two manifolds were off I also changed a split CV boot inner (o/s) - good access. Some confusion on my part about the reassembly - see my other post 'CV inner'.

Refitted carb, pipework and water and started the engine.

Success, first time in 3 years that the car hasn't sounded like a tractor on it's last legs.

Thanks to all those who gave me guidence and to GolfVR6 for the offer of a replacement manifold, not needed at the moment, but you never can tell!

[mk1]

Glad to hear that its ok  .
Steve.

[richandhazel]

Nice one.........I thought these manifolds were cast and couldn't be welded.......or was it braised? Did it cost much to have done?

[Ceptor]

I don't know the exact type of weld except that it's a skilled job to weld cast iron. The cost to repair a 3" hair-line fracture was ?20. You would probably be better off to track down a s/h good manifold rather than repair one but I needed to get the car on the road asap. A new one from VAG with VAT is ?200......I think they keep the prices high to force people to eventually accept that the cars are beyond economic repair so they will buy new/er ones.