Exhaust questions

Xantiargh · Unread post by **Xantiargh** » 17 Mar 2004, 14:42

Hi all.
Exhaust and car (Xantia 1.9 TD 1995 M) went separate ways this morning...
Got a few questions:
Do I have a catalytic convertor on a Xantia this old? Guessing no.
Would the exhaust being on its way out explain occasional surges in performance? Generally the car is very slow, but on a couple of occasions it took off and became reasonable; could this be down to the exhaust?
Any idea for a ballpark for repair costs? The break is where the pipe joins the back box... Can I fix/replace the exhaust on the drive way?
Cheers in advance
Mike

Unread post by **RichardW** » 17 Mar 2004, 14:51

Mike,
No cat on a 95 TD Xantia (or there shouldn't be anyway!)
Only thing I can think of ref exhausts vs performance is if the cat or box have collapsed. More likely your turbo wastegate is sticking.
You could repair it, but have you seen where the flange attaching it to the turbo is? Exhausts are much easier to repair on a proper lift! The Xantia TD exhaust is all one piece from the turbo to the back box, and I paid about £70 fitted for the long piece at National Tyres - I got a quote off the net and then got 10% off it at the centre. Expect the back box would be about the same price. Depending on where it's parted company, you might just need the back box, which would be a pretty easy repair on the drieway.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 17 Mar 2004, 15:16

Hi Mike -
My advice is to try phone a quick fitter - one of those exhaust specialists Fit-while-u-wait companies. Generally their prices are just a few quids more than what you can find exhaust parts for at cheapest.
Last time (here in DK) I found out my savings replacing a complete BX system (no cat) was no more than approx GBP20,- not worth the 2-3hrs fiddling really.
The only work you probably have to do then is some minor adjustments to get rid of possible clonking from their quick fitting job - which is quite easy - as all clamps & bolts are new.
If your emission values was fair below max last MOT - you don't have to think about any cat fitted - either it works or it's not fitted.
If the exhaust was restricted to cause engine power problems - then it would be a persistent problem - never admitting power surges.
You must have another problem then.
This could be leaking fuel control hoses from intake manifold/intercooler to the diesel roto pump.
But first make sure the air intake filter is clean/replaced. It's VERY imortant on a diesel. It's the front located square canister which has a large top airduct running to rear of engine.

David W · Unread post by **David W** » 17 Mar 2004, 15:55

Advice really depends on exactly where the break is. If it is the short stub from the rear silencer this is an easy DIY replacement. Just put the car on high, support with axle stands (very very important to do this properly) and there is plenty of room to get at the joint. Taking off the nearside rear wheel gives a little more daylight.
If the break is on the front section this is a pig to DIY on the drive and I would leave to an exhaust centre.
My guess on prices is either section about £40-£55 to buy, and about £70-£80 to have either done at an exhaust place.
Beware replacing either section and leaving the existing bit unless it is A1, sods law dictates the older bit will fall on the road at the least suitable time!
David

Xantiargh · Unread post by **Xantiargh** » 17 Mar 2004, 18:51

I'll have to have a closer look at the break, but it seems to be at the point the pipe meets the back box; the pipe is waggling around and the car sounds like a tractor!
Its now stuck in a BR car park, where it will reside until Saturday which is the earliest I can drop it off at a garage.
shame it isn't the cure for my performance issue. When the car does surge its quite lively! Makes me realise how slow it is normally.
Thanks for your help, guys...

Homer · Unread post by **Homer** » 18 Mar 2004, 00:52

It will almost certainly have broken where the pipe enters the back box. That's where they all go. You should only need a back section but no doubt the fitters will try to dell you the whole thing.
Mine went in the same spot, fitter tried to tell me the front section would last weeks at the most, I told him I would fix it when it broke, which I did 18 months later.

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 18 Mar 2004, 01:03

I replaced one two weeks ago, the whole system was sound apart from the last inch of pipe next to the clamp! ended up replacing the lot, I think £40 for the pipe and £60 for the box at my local.
Stewart