Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 11:00:41

Title: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 11:00:41
Just when I thought the Omega was finally finished.  :(

The exhaust flexi pipe is now blowing and it sounds like a tank.

Advice needed on how to replace or repair, please?

Thanks

Andy
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 30 June 2014, 11:10:46
Firstly do not replace the cat, the genuine cats are vastly superior to pattern in terms of noise.  :y :y :y

You want something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weld-on-Exhaust-Flexi-Tube-Joint-Flexible-Pipe-Repair-50-x-100mm-2-x4-inch-/261149052055?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ccdb24c97 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weld-on-Exhaust-Flexi-Tube-Joint-Flexible-Pipe-Repair-50-x-100mm-2-x4-inch-/261149052055?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ccdb24c97)

Drop the exhaust manifold, it's dead easy  :y

Have the old flexi cut out and a new one welded in, even better if you know someone who has a plasma cutter!

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/803897/Omega/Exhaust/2013-05-01%2019.21.32.jpg)
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 11:58:05
Firstly do not replace the cat, the genuine cats are vastly superior to pattern in terms of noise.  :y :y :y

You want something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weld-on-Exhaust-Flexi-Tube-Joint-Flexible-Pipe-Repair-50-x-100mm-2-x4-inch-/261149052055?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ccdb24c97 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weld-on-Exhaust-Flexi-Tube-Joint-Flexible-Pipe-Repair-50-x-100mm-2-x4-inch-/261149052055?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ccdb24c97)

Drop the exhaust manifold, it's dead easy  :y

Have the old flexi cut out and a new one welded in, even better if you know someone who has a plasma cutter!

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/803897/Omega/Exhaust/2013-05-01%2019.21.32.jpg)

Unfortunately I don't know anyone who welds.

Can anyone recommend a cheap half decent arch welder that could do the job and are these easy to use?

Could I get away with an exhaust bandage?

How much nosier would a pattern cat be if this was my only option left?

Is it possible to leave the rest of the exhaust in place when I take the cat exhaust part out?

Thanks

Andy
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 30 June 2014, 12:02:58
Unfortunately I don't know anyone who welds.

Can anyone recommend a cheap half decent arch welder that could do the job and are these easy to use?

Could I get away with an exhaust bandage?

How much nosier would a pattern cat be if this was my only option left?

Is it possible to leave the rest of the exhaust in place when I take the cat exhaust part out?

Thanks

Andy

1) Can't help with that one.
2) Maybe for a day or so, I've done it before, but won't last very long.
3) Extremely, cannot stress how much you should not go down that route.
4) Not easily, best to take if off. Only 7 bolts in all.

Perhaps RobG could help? He is in Bristol.

I travelled to Nottingham to visit MarksDTM, who did mine easily worth the cost in fuel as know he does the job right!  :y
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 12:38:44
Unfortunately I don't know anyone who welds.

Can anyone recommend a cheap half decent arch welder that could do the job and are these easy to use?

Could I get away with an exhaust bandage?

How much nosier would a pattern cat be if this was my only option left?

Is it possible to leave the rest of the exhaust in place when I take the cat exhaust part out?

Thanks

Andy

1) Can't help with that one.
2) Maybe for a day or so, I've done it before, but won't last very long.
3) Extremely, cannot stress how much you should not go down that route.
4) Not easily, best to take if off. Only 7 bolts in all.

Perhaps RobG could help? He is in Bristol.

I travelled to Nottingham to visit MarksDTM, who did mine easily worth the cost in fuel as know he does the job right!  :y

Noted. I will keep my old cat.  :y

Nottingham is a bit far for me.

I'll send Rob a message later and see if he's got any suggestions.  :y

Thanks Tunnie.  :y
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: omega3000 on 30 June 2014, 14:07:28
I got a full downpipe system inc cat and flexi all one part for £76 for the 2.0 vectra  :)
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 30 June 2014, 14:08:34
I got a full downpipe system inc cat and flexi all one part for £76 for the 2.0 vectra  :)

I'd strongly advise against that for the Omega, as said above.  ;)
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: omega3000 on 30 June 2014, 14:10:32
I got a full downpipe system inc cat and flexi all one part for £76 for the 2.0 vectra  :)

I'd strongly advise against that for the Omega, as said above.  ;)

I did keep the original cat but as i too couldnt get anyone to weld just went for the pattern system as i needed the car on the road pronto  ;)
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 16:13:05
Can I use this one and will it fit?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-25-x-8-Exhaust-Flexi-Cat-Repair-Flexipipe-200-x-57-/320556112895?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa2a21bff
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 30 June 2014, 16:21:04
Can I use this one and will it fit?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-25-x-8-Exhaust-Flexi-Cat-Repair-Flexipipe-200-x-57-/320556112895?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa2a21bff

Nope  :)

Check my link, that has the correct size  :y
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 June 2014, 16:34:35
The pattern cats on any car have a few issues:
1) They are noisier
2) They don't fit well
3) the cat material is rubbish and you end up replacing the cat every 12-24 months following troublesome mot failures.
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2014, 16:48:03
Can I use this one and will it fit?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-25-x-8-Exhaust-Flexi-Cat-Repair-Flexipipe-200-x-57-/320556112895?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa2a21bff

Nope  :)

Check my link, that has the correct size  :y

Thanks Tunnie.  :y

Thanks for the info Mark.  :y

Just found this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OPEL-OMEGA-B-2-0-and-2-0-16v-Flexible-pipe-connectro-flexi-pipe-DIY-/171357357920?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AVauxhall|Model%3AOmega&hash=item27e5b1c760

In the photos in the listing the exhaust system looks the same as on mine. Is the exhaust system on the Omega 2.0 Z20XE identical to the one on my Z22XE and will the clamp-on flexi pipe in this advert fit mine?


Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: RobG on 30 June 2014, 17:00:09
Quote
Is the exhaust system on the Omega 2.0 Z20XE identical to the one on my Z22XE
Nope
Quote
will the clamp-on flexi pipe in this advert fit mine
Nope. Weld-on only
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 30 June 2014, 17:03:58
Ignore listing photos on eBay, very mis-leading, go on the spec.

There is no room for that, the exit of the flexi goes straight into the cat, the only way is to cut it out and weld a new one in.
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2014, 08:55:17
Do both ends of the flexi go inside the the exhaust pipe and then get welded?
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 July 2014, 09:07:11
You cut the welds which hold the old flexi on and grind back to leave the original cat and front pipe tubes.

The slide the new flexi over the prepared tubes, make sure its aligned correctly and weld it up.

The hardest part is the cutting of the old flexi off (which is not hard and can be done with an angle grinder)
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2014, 09:13:59
You cut the welds which hold the old flexi on and grind back to leave the original cat and front pipe tubes.

The slide the new flexi over the prepared tubes, make sure its aligned correctly and weld it up.

The hardest part is the cutting of the old flexi off (which is not hard and can be done with an angle grinder)

Thanks Mark for the info.  :y

I have a 4" angle grinder that will do the job. I can't find anyone at the moment to weld the new flexi on.

What is your opinion on buying and using a arch welder for the job?

Here are some photos of the flexi and cat. Is this an origanal, before I start?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/14547471514/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/14362419008/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/14549013515/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/14549013875/in/photostream/

It's a shame I can't just re-weld the end that has come away from the flexi.




Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 July 2014, 09:42:12
With respect to the arc welder, the question would be, can you arc weld?

Welding these in is one of the easier welding jobs there is (good thick steel to go out), takes about 5 mins or less to do the actual welding.

I would say from those pics that you have an original, what you have to remember is that inside the metal braid is a stainless flexi pipe, once the braid is gone so is the flexi and you cant weld them up successfully.
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2014, 10:08:13
With respect to the arc welder, the question would be, can you arc weld?

Welding these in is one of the easier welding jobs there is (good thick steel to go out), takes about 5 mins or less to do the actual welding.

I would say from those pics that you have an original, what you have to remember is that inside the metal braid is a stainless flexi pipe, once the braid is gone so is the flexi and you cant weld them up successfully.

Never used one before. I will be able to do a good job come the end. Once I get my head around a thing in my own time and with some practice. I am always willing to learn.

Do you have any advice ?
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2014, 10:31:49
Mark, I have just started a thread in electrical and they have advised me to use a MIG welder instead. So any welding advice you can give needs to be for MIG welding.

Thanks  :y

Andy
Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 July 2014, 10:40:13
MIG, ARC, TIG, gas....all will do the job well  :y

I use MIG or TIG generally as I prefer them but as an example, you would not want to do either outside as the shield gas would get blown away.

Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2014, 12:20:43
MIG, ARC, TIG, gas....all will do the job well  :y

I use MIG or TIG generally as I prefer them but as an example, you would not want to do either outside as the shield gas would get blown away.

That puts a different light on it. I need to put some more thought into it first.

I have ordered the flexi in Tunnie's link.  :y

Once the flexi arrives I'll visit some local garages and see if they will do the job. Over the phone they don't want to know.

Thanks Mark for your advice. There is much to consider about welding and it will take time to practice. Time I don't have right now.

One last question. Do I unscrew the sensors from the exhaust or do I unplug them and leave them in?

If I have to unplug them. Where is the locations that I need to unplug from?

Title: Re: 2.2 exhaust flexi pipe blowing
Post by: tunnie on 01 July 2014, 13:13:54
Leave sensor in the exhaust, just unplug it, just follow the loom back, it's up by the gearbox  :y

I'd take a run to Nottingham if MarksDTM is free, especially if you are interested in welding  :y