This is probably a stupid question but I have never been known to be shy to ask. So here goes:
I discovered today a hole in the hot part of my exhaust system. All the way at the top, where the nipple meets with the 90deg elbow.
You may be surprised but I was actually happy to find that! I had noticed increasing amounts of exhaust fumes in the cabin and had the 'fumes' detector in the engine room going off after running the motor for more than 15 minutes or so. I was getting concerned that this was due to blow-by (even though I have the Indigo PCV installed) and that my good old A4 was on its last gasp. Compared to that scenario, replacing the exhaust seems a very desirable option!
I actually had built the whole system myself, according to my records in 2004. I don't have pictures but it is very similar to many others that I have seen here: a close nipple into the exhaust flange, then an elbow, up for 5", another elbow, horizontal 3" nipple (this one has the hole), final elbow pointing downwards, and then down to water injection and Vetus muffler. All in black iron, except below water injection where I used galvanized.
I already was at Home Depot and bought identical replacement nipples and elbows. When I started to plan mentally the steps, it struck me that I am not sure why I even have to remove the exhaust flange.
Can't I just unscrew the short nipple from the flange, and leave the flange itself untouched and on the manifold???
This would have clear advantages: I would not risk breaking any bolts, and more importantly, I would not need a new gasket. I know it is easy enough to buy one from MMI but having to wait for it means no sailing next week.
So, what am I overlooking? What is wrong with the idea of grabbing the short nipple (to be replaced anyway) with plyers or something and turning it out of the flange?
Thanks!
I discovered today a hole in the hot part of my exhaust system. All the way at the top, where the nipple meets with the 90deg elbow.
You may be surprised but I was actually happy to find that! I had noticed increasing amounts of exhaust fumes in the cabin and had the 'fumes' detector in the engine room going off after running the motor for more than 15 minutes or so. I was getting concerned that this was due to blow-by (even though I have the Indigo PCV installed) and that my good old A4 was on its last gasp. Compared to that scenario, replacing the exhaust seems a very desirable option!
I actually had built the whole system myself, according to my records in 2004. I don't have pictures but it is very similar to many others that I have seen here: a close nipple into the exhaust flange, then an elbow, up for 5", another elbow, horizontal 3" nipple (this one has the hole), final elbow pointing downwards, and then down to water injection and Vetus muffler. All in black iron, except below water injection where I used galvanized.
I already was at Home Depot and bought identical replacement nipples and elbows. When I started to plan mentally the steps, it struck me that I am not sure why I even have to remove the exhaust flange.
Can't I just unscrew the short nipple from the flange, and leave the flange itself untouched and on the manifold???
This would have clear advantages: I would not risk breaking any bolts, and more importantly, I would not need a new gasket. I know it is easy enough to buy one from MMI but having to wait for it means no sailing next week.
So, what am I overlooking? What is wrong with the idea of grabbing the short nipple (to be replaced anyway) with plyers or something and turning it out of the flange?
Thanks!
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