Heat Exchangers, Exhaust Fumes Etc

[Graham L]

OK, similar kind of post to the one from the chap in the states.

Fitted a new header and rear box at the weekend (had to fit header as new box didn't fit existing header ), so fitted it all but fitting the header onto the LH side heat exhanger was a pain in the arse and would not stay on without brute force.

Pipe coming out of the heat exchanger itself seemed very loose and fumes escape from around the pipe that goes into the header, is this normal or should the HE not leak fumes at that point?, there is a very faint wiff of fumes in the cab (got a headache after driving 11 miles to work this morning,but not sure whether that just the paint being burnt off the header), could this be linked and should I be replacing the HE so as not to gas everyone?

Any suggestions gratefully received?

Out of interest do the exhaust gases that go into the HE then come back out the HE the same way? (hope that makes sense)

 

[Tofufi]

The exhaust pipe coming from the heat exchanger to the header can be fairly loose within the outer section. This, in itself, shouldn't cause much of a problem. I think the outer section of one of the ones on my bus does rattle a bit too.

However, it shouldn't be leaking fumes from anywhere. The thin, inner tube of the heat exchanger should go from the cylinder head to the header without any leaks or gaps.

If you start the engine from cold, you should be able to tell if there are any exhaust leaks by sticking your head under the bus and feeling for any moving (warm) air with your hands. Do this with the engine cold, otherwise you'll end up with burnt hands.

A new exhaust will give off a slight smell anyway, it could just be this.

Have you ever taken a heat exchanger apart?

You could always turn the heating system off for a few weeks until all the paint has settled?

Any pics of where it is causing problems? I assume you have used all the correct gaskets and clamps.

I'll probably be nosy and have a look on Tuesday anyway :lol:

Jim

 

[Graham L]

Jim

Thanks for the reply, I can feel air coming out at the back of the HE but I think that is the air being fed into the exchanger via the paper/ali hoses, will check at lunchtime though.

What type of clamps are supposed to be on the HE outlet to Header as mine was fitted with jubilee clips which doesn't seem right.

PS Heating was off which is why I'm confused :mrgreen:

 

[Tofufi]

I'm always confused

You should be able to tell if it is exhaust gas or otherwise. Exhaust gas is HOT

I've got this sort of clamp between the header and heat exchanger.

Are your hoses from the tinware connected to the heat exchangers? The two large ones in the engine bay like the one I always tell you is missing...

If not, you need to sort that out too Ali ones will bend round the pipes to the header, allowing you to have some form of heating.

 

[Graham L]

Jim

Your clamps look a lot more substantial than 2 jub clips!!

And yes the hoses are in place apart from the missing one I have, they appear to be paper/ali and I may get some new ones as I'm not convinced they are OK.

See you tomorrow night if I survive the drive home today and to work tomorrow :mrgreen:

 

[Tofufi]

Good luck making the journey - keep the windows down if you think there are actually any fumes coming into the van

All being well exam-wise, I'll be at the meet tomorrow night.

You can have a look at my clamps then if you like :shock: :lol:

They have a metal/fibre O ring inside them made from wire wool to baffle any tiny exhaust gas leaks.

 

[Tofufi]

Following on from what we were saying earlier, you're after one of these...

http://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-113-119-519-G

It bolts on to the cylinder head using the same bolts as the header. The website says bug only because USA bays had type 4 motors after '71. You'll also need to ensure your air filter flap mechanism is working, or you'll have really **** performance.

Of course, if you bought twin carbs you wouldn't need to have the preheat elbow...
But you would need to remove the air filter stand

P.S. don't listen to my advice...