heat exchangers

[slow-lane-Matt]

Wife's beetle has slightly noisy exhaust and slight smell of exhaust in cabin.

I don't know if the two things are related - probably

A couple of things don't look quite right - would really appreciate any comments....





Am I right in thinking there is no way that much soot can come out of the HE unless the exhaust tube inside is
leaking...What is the purpose of the cap on the HE


The other end doesn't look too clever either...


After cleanup



The gap around the HE is not an exhaust problem ? (heating problem maybe) but the fact that there is more soot inside the HE can't be good

To replace HE does the lower tinware and exhaust box all have to come out...?

Thanks for looking and commenting...

 

[Trikky2]

Yes the exhaust has to come off but the lower tin can be left in place.

And yes, your right, the soot indicates its blowing exhaust fumes into the heating system.

 

[slow-lane-Matt]

Thanks Trikky,

Your diagnosis spot on.

Luckily a bit of standard copper pipe is exactly the right size to line the exhaust - so hopefully a cheap fix (bodge?)

...and FYI you don't need to remove exhaust box to get this off from a Beetle - it just all slides backwards



The heat exchanger lives to fight another day !

 

[Trikky2]

Thanks Trikky,

Your diagnosis spot on.

Luckily a bit of standard copper pipe is exactly the right size to line the exhaust - so hopefully a cheap fix (bodge?)

...and FYI you don't need to remove exhaust box to get this off from a Beetle - it just all slides backwards

Of course it comes off backwards - doh! Think I must have suffered an Alzheimer's moment...

Your tube will restrict the already restrictive exhaust and will suffer from electrolysis between the copper and steel. I would only consider it a temporary roadside lash up and budget for a proper repair soon with two new exchangers and exhaust.