1275 sprite downpipe problems

[pyr0333]

Hi everyone, Im new here although I have been using the forum a while. I have a 94 sprite auto and absolutely love it! However Im currently having problem getting the downpipe and manifold aligned. I have tried minispares upgraded cast clamp, the 1990 onwards single bolt clamp and the standard 2 bolt cast type. However I cannot get it to seal at all and it just blows horribly loud!

This brings me on to another question....

What stage one kit could I fit that would be a direct bolt on without having to modify the kick down rod? 

Thanks in advance

Liam 

[taj34]

I had the same problem on my mini. I used exhaust paste and a exhaust bandage over it and then place the clamp on top of that. That worked for me a while though the excess movement from the engine would evidently crack the paste and it would then start leaking again.  If you want to do that, I would also recommend you check to see if your stabilizer rubber bushes are also in good shape.

As for the stage one kit,  maniflow does sell a freeflow exhaust that is design for automatics www.maniflow.co.uk/index.php?view=product&from=156&product=1644
unfortunately it cost more then even the entire stage one kit from mini spares.

[firept]

I think we have all been down this road at some time manuals are just as bad.
As said,  
1st. Check the stabilizer bar both ends and even is it is a little suspect change the bushes.

2nd. Check the engine mounts,  some have a nasty habit of the rubber metalastic coming unstuck from one face and effectively the engine is just resting on the rubber.  Check by gently jacking up first one side of the engine and then the other it should start to lift the subframe, if when you are jacking and do it slowly with feeling do not rush at it, if the engine just seems to be lifting on its own then you've got engine mount gone.  You could also try rocking the  engine with  the stabilizer bar and exhaust disconnected and see how much 'wobble' there is on the engine.
once satisfied that the mounts and the bushes are all in A1 condition move on to the exhaust.

Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the manifold it should now be held in position by the exhaust mount that comes off the back of the gearbox if it just drops then you need to get the bottom exhaust mount bracket.

loosen off the whole exhaust and make sure nothing is under tension or compression so its loose but able to be moved around you can now get the down pipe to align with the manifold and it should be a good match ( a small jack under the exhaust pipe just below the gear box helps if you are doing this on you own) . Once you have achieved this apply exhaust past to the joint and loosely tighten up the clamp now tighten up the bottom gearbox mount and again check that nothing has moved if  all OK carry on with the rest of the system and finally tighten the manifold clamp. gently warm up the engine for about 10 mins then turn off and wait 20 mins or so then warm up again and it should all be OK.
I know its sounds long winded but do it once do it right and you wont have any more problems or you will be doing this every weekend ...ask me how I know!......of course that is until something else breaks!
best of luck

[pyr0333]

Took your advice however didnt use any paste as apparently I cant with it having a cat? But anyways its sealed perfectly at the moment and will re tighten everything after a few drives. Cheers for the advice everyone! 

[firept]

Hmm.... should have picked up on the date of registration. Quite correct no exhaust paste before cat. How were the engine steady bushes and engine mounts?

[pyr0333]

They had a tiny bit of play but they were planned to get replaced with some poly kind. The car seems smoother and even idles alot better which im presuming is caused by the clamp not leaking anymore