Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

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sotal
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Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by sotal » Sat Aug 15, 2020 12:11 pm

I knew my exhaust was blowing, when I looked round the vehicle as a bit of a pre mot check I found a little hole on one of the joins. That got louder whilst we were away and I came back to find it has completely detached!

I had ordered a mid section to replace it whilst I was away.

Just started the job today and am pretty appalled at the condition of the rear two bits. I think the front section is still original by the looks of things but I replaced both the mid and rear sections in May 2017. At the time the two pieces cost me £102.

I'm now at the point again where I need to order the rear section as well, as it has a hole in the top :(

Is only 3 years really to be expected? Anything that can be applied to stop the new ones deteriorating so fast?

Both pieces were klarius before from eurocarparts.

I'm trying to avoid buying the same again but they are handy for quick parts.

The centre section I have bought is a Regal and looks somewhat better but I wouldn't hold too much hope.
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Enzoforever
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by Enzoforever » Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:37 pm

Hi, I can empathise fully. I bought my old van just over three years ago and on my way back from our first trip the rear exhaust broke at the bend as it goes over the axle, and I had to remove the rear section and limped home sounding like a tractor. I decided to replace the mid and rear sections myself also replacing all rubbers and bolts costing me approx £120-£130. 3 years down the line and my exhaust has got noisier and noisier to the point I thought I need to get underneath to which I found the seam along the rear box was split with rust and blowing like heck, I ordered the rear section for £66 and all done. I use my van most days although very short journeys so the rear exhaust is obviously going to suffer as it never really gets that hot, apart from when we go away. I'm quite happy replacing rear box every 3 and hopefully mid and rear every 6 years at those prices, we will see. Mine is 2.0 petrol auto btw.
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by Flanners » Sat Aug 15, 2020 5:09 pm

I would prefer to pay for something more substantial rather than cheap parts, have SS exhausts on other cars and one has been on for 16 years. Thinking circa £100 every few years is a false economy? Not sure what is out there for the Bongo that is substantial in the shop most appear out of stock, I would consider getting a bespoke system fabricated onto it at a local exhaust specialist.
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Muzorewa
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by Muzorewa » Sat Aug 15, 2020 5:11 pm

Ten years ago I needed a replacement, I was on the verge of buying a full original system then stumbled upon MIJ Exhausts who were offering a full stainless system at around the same price (£228.50). I rang them to enquire postage cost, it was £228.50 delivered or £228.50 fitted and they could do it that afternoon.

It's still going strong and anyone following our travels knows it's been a long way since then...
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by Bob » Sat Aug 15, 2020 5:32 pm

Central location, too. 8)
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sotal
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by sotal » Sat Aug 15, 2020 6:10 pm

Muzorewa wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 5:11 pm Ten years ago I needed a replacement, I was on the verge of buying a full original system then stumbled upon MIJ Exhausts who were offering a full stainless system at around the same price (£228.50). I rang them to enquire postage cost, it was £228.50 delivered or £228.50 fitted and they could do it that afternoon.

It's still going strong and anyone following our travels knows it's been a long way since then...
Sounds well worth it. Unfortunately I haven't got time, so will have to go with cheap :(

I've fitted the mid section, and ordered the rear section. Just got my fingers crossed it arrives before the MOT on Wednesday :)

It does seem to be false economy. They seem to fail on the welding. The main flat parts seem like new. I wonder if a bit of high temperature paint would make them last a bit longer?

I keep wondering how long I can chase the rust away though on the rest of the vehicle. Fingers crossed there isn't anything major to fail on the MOT. Could be turning into a project soon 😜
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Northern Bongolow
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by Northern Bongolow » Sat Aug 15, 2020 8:24 pm

That's what I did on mine before I went stainless, a good spray up when new with high temp paint, it did last a tad longer but not by much.
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sotal
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by sotal » Tue Aug 18, 2020 5:00 pm

Northern Bongolow wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 8:24 pm That's what I did on mine before I went stainless, a good spray up when new with high temp paint, it did last a tad longer but not by much.
Well I've fitted it today as the MOT is tomorrow! I'm sure stainless would've been much better. I'd used stainless bolts last time 3 years ago when fitting it and they were still like new. I've reused then as they were that good still.

Not holding too much hope for a pass straight off. My worries are mainly rust related. I'll see if what is left of the rear cross member passes! 🙄
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by rita » Thu Aug 20, 2020 4:45 pm

The main enemy is condensation due to short journeys , many moons ago we used to drill small holes in the exhaust and ring it with a weld .
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sotal
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by sotal » Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:07 pm

It probably doesn't help being a daily driver. We use it all year round. In normal times my wife uses it to drive to work and back (maximum 15 mins) but also drops my son off on her way (there and back) which involves switching the engine off after only a few minutes.

It does get a good run a few times a week as well though. Strange that they rot on the top first, but I suppose any most air rises and perhaps condenses on the top?
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by nth » Fri Aug 21, 2020 11:08 am

sotal wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 12:11 pm Both pieces were klarius before from eurocarparts.

I'm trying to avoid buying the same again but they are handy for quick parts.
The majority of stuff from ECP is total cheap junk, Had to stop using them years ago, The only time I would use them now is if it was Sunday & I was desperate, Even then it would have to be a big brand name.
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sotal
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Re: Exhaust, cheap rubbish :(

Post by sotal » Sat Aug 22, 2020 9:16 am

nth wrote: Fri Aug 21, 2020 11:08 am
sotal wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 12:11 pm Both pieces were klarius before from eurocarparts.

I'm trying to avoid buying the same again but they are handy for quick parts.
The majority of stuff from ECP is total cheap junk, Had to stop using them years ago, The only time I would use them now is if it was Sunday & I was desperate, Even then it would have to be a big brand name.
Yes, they are handy though. Many parts can be picked up same day. I struggle round here for parts for the Bongo. Many of my 'normal' places don't stock things for the Bongo or if they do they are incredibly expensive. Many can get parts in but it takes as long as just ordering online myself.

I'm on a deadline at the moment with the rear bushes and droplinks, which I've ordered online to try and get decent quality, but they haven't arrived yet. Ordered on Wednesday, company said they dispatched on Wednesday via 48 hour courier (Mon-Sat) but nothing yet. Fingers crossed for today!
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