Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Post Reply
timski
Registered user
Posts: 237
Joined: 31 Mar 2011, 23:47
80-90 Mem No: 10045
Location: Reading, Berkshire

Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by timski »

Hi Guys

Anyone ever seen this before? It looks like part of my exhaust pipe has clean snapped? It's a stainless steel exhaust pipe. It's 6 years old but no sign of any rust. If I didn't know any different I'd say someone had cut through it with an angle grinder. It's such a clean cut. Very strange. Can stainless steel fatigue and break like this?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ll97qj1hkWp1dob83

Thanks,
Tim.
Autosleeper 2.1 DJ 1991

User avatar
Oldiebut goodie
Registered user
Posts: 7265
Joined: 18 Apr 2008, 01:19
80-90 Mem No: 11135
Location: Eastern Angle

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

Yes, it looks like the alignment wasn't very good putting strain on an area that has been worked and become more brittle. Not uncommon with stainless which is brittle to start with.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶

User avatar
937carrera
Registered user
Posts: 3599
Joined: 05 Apr 2015, 19:29
80-90 Mem No: 16333
Location: N Yorks.

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by 937carrera »

Stress corrosion cracking occurs in stainless steel when it has been exposed to chlorides water and heat. It's a known issue in the chemical industry, but not come across it on exhaust systems where I think it's more likely just a stress fracture caused by vibration and the pipes being tightened & stressed into position when fitted. Stainless is less ductile than mild steel.....

You should be able to get it repaired, just make sure that the pipe is the right shape so that it is not being stressed when refitted
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

User avatar
Oldiebut goodie
Registered user
Posts: 7265
Joined: 18 Apr 2008, 01:19
80-90 Mem No: 11135
Location: Eastern Angle

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

Possibly worth adding a support clamp and bracket somewhere around the bend area if possible. ( I haven't a clue as to the layout of engine/exhaust on those funny petrol engines :D )
Last edited by Oldiebut goodie on 26 Nov 2017, 21:24, edited 1 time in total.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by itchyfeet »

can't see the pics myself but stainless is brittle and does crack.
Not for life as people think.
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

timski
Registered user
Posts: 237
Joined: 31 Mar 2011, 23:47
80-90 Mem No: 10045
Location: Reading, Berkshire

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by timski »

Thanks guys.

Would you buy that section or just get it welded? I bought this originally from Brickwerks. Unless they've changed their kit since then I think it's the intermediate pipe available here:
https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/stainless- ... -2-1l.html

Cheers,
Tim.
Autosleeper 2.1 DJ 1991

User avatar
937carrera
Registered user
Posts: 3599
Joined: 05 Apr 2015, 19:29
80-90 Mem No: 16333
Location: N Yorks.

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by 937carrera »

It's your call really Tim. Buying new means you have a relatively simply swap to carry out.......... but it might still be stressed and will fail again. Getting it welded should be fine and provide an opportunity to tweak the pipe so that it isn't stressed when refitted. But, do you know a decent stainless welder near you ?
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Snapped SS exhaust pipe?

Post by itchyfeet »

if its the intermediate than it may not have been fitted well, the position of the silencer is important to get it to align well, if you don't get that right then its putting stress on the pipe.

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/intermedia ... nless.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

Post Reply