Welding Gti6 Manifold

[2052006 10]

Having a few problems re-welding my manifold. I have reangled it fine and it was spot welded with a MIG. It was taken away by my mate who can weld (ish!) for him to finish it off - seal it up etc. Got it back today but have since found there are about a dozen pin-holes throughout the welding. I'm pretty sure he used a MIG.

 

Took it to an exhaust place and they said it would need TIG welding (which I understand is easier to do fiddlier bits).

 

Is this correct?

 

And, if so, anyone know anywhere/anyone around Swindon or Cheltenham who can do this for me?

 

 

It's really annoying as I had planned to fit the manifold and get the engine running this weekend. Can I start the engine and let it run (if I can get it started!) without an exhaust mani fitted? Will it do any harm? Obviously I won't be driving it or even moving it, it's just to see if my wiring is correct (or more likely how incorrect it is ).

 

Cheers

 

Pete

[Anthony 1,002]

It's really annoying as I had planned to fit the manifold and get the engine running this weekend. Can I start the engine and let it run (if I can get it started!) without an exhaust mani fitted? Will it do any harm? Obviously I won't be driving it or even moving it, it's just to see if my wiring is correct (or more likely how incorrect it is ).

You can start it, but it will be VERY loud and be spitting flames out of the exhaust ports, so you really wouldn't want to leave it running for more than a few seconds...

[2052006 10]

Oh. Better get it fitted then...

 

Know anywhere round Swindon good for TIG welding?

[Cameron 16]

I'm not that near by, but I can do it for you and do it properly.

[2052006 10]

That's a very kind offer. Where in Northamptonshire are you - PM if you want.

[wracing 19]

i don't really see why it has to be tig welded. i would knock off the weld with a grinder and go over were ever needs attention. you never going to get it clean enough for a good tig weld anyway. post some pics if possible. i think there are trying to rip you off im sure an air grinder/ die grinder and mig will do fine

[Cameron 16]

Between Daventry and Banbury.

It doesn't have to be TIG welded, but you will just get a much nicer result. I now have the equipment to back-purge welds so you won't end up with all the horrible tumours you get when welding stainless.

[richsmells 2]

Swindon to Banbury isn't too far. Go the Chipping Norton route, there are some good roads! Sorry off topic!

Edited June 6, 2009 by richsmells

[Cameron 16]

A361

[2052006 10]

PMed you, cheers.

[2052006 10]

Below should be a couple of photos (phone only, so quality not very good) but hopefully it gives you an idea. The black circles are where I've marked some of the "pin holes" with a marker pen.

Edited June 6, 2009 by 2052006

[B1ack_Mi16 67]

Below should be a couple of photos (phone only, so quality not very good) but hopefully it gives you an idea. The black circles are where I've marked some of the "pin holes" with a marker pen.

 

Those welds looks like they have been done by someone who just can't weld.

 

If you use the MiG the correct way it's no problem to get proper burn in dept and nice looking welds, not to mention leaks..

 

That's surely not the MiG's fault but the welder

[Tom Fenton 1,539]

Unfortunately it looks like your mate has good intentions in trying to help you, but his welding isn't really up to it.

[2052006 10]

Unfortunately, I think you may be right! Thanks for your honest opinions I think I will test fit it tomorrow morning again, make sure it's still at the correct angle. And then get it done properly

[wracing 19]

i would cut that back off grind off all the weld and start again.

[Alastairh 47]

Deffinatly looks like bird s*it, find another mate...

[Cameron 16]

PM replied.

[Emmy Seize 8]

Ok, welds are not pretty indeed.

 

However, that isn't necessarily down to poor welding skills.

 

From personal experience, carbon deposits from exhaust gasses on used manifolds can cause big trouble, even if the welding kit is set properly.

 

I would follow the advice of cutting the welds and starting again after giving the insides a good clean with a wire brush.

[Cameron 16]

It can cause trouble, but with a MIG you won't end up with dog vomit like that unless you don't know what you're doing.

[taylorspug 7]

Those welds looks like they have been done by someone who just can't weld.

 

If you use the MiG the correct way it's no problem to get proper burn in dept and nice looking welds, not to mention leaks..

 

That's surely not the MiG's fault but the welder

 

+1.

 

Ive MIG welded a few of these now, and they actually weld up very nicely if the welder is set right.

[Cameron 16]

It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire!

[Ben_M 1]

It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire!

 

thats how I did mine

[taylorspug 7]

It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire!

 

:D

Edited June 9, 2009 by taylorspug

[welshpug 1,651]

:D

 

 

Ditto!

[Cameron 16]

No point in having a nice stainless manifold / system if your welds just rust away!

I've been guilty of doing it in the past, I wouldn't now though.