Exhaust clamps problem! Help

[85gti]

The exhuast clamps holding the downpipe to the main exhaust were a *** to get off but now I can't even get them on.  Does anyone know an easy way to get them on?  I have tried a few things and had no luck.

[the caveman]

Get a fair sized pipe wrench. Put it on the downpipe so that you can twist the pipe one side or another. You should be able to get one on by twisting the pipe up . The second one will be very hard if not impossible, but with enough muscle -maybe. It really does need the tool .

[85gti]

Get a fair sized pipe wrench. Put it on the downpipe so that you can twist the pipe one side or another. You should be able to get one on by twisting the pipe up . The second one will be very hard if not impossible, but with enough muscle -maybe. It really does need the tool .

Wow that was a quick response!  Thanks a lot.  I will call my local mechanic and see about the tool.

[Smokey Eddy]

Ok! I've struggled with this brutally also!
I had to do it when the head was off and get a couple buddies to help. You  grind part of the downpipe down so you can slide the clamp on there ( for the passenger side clamp ) and then twist the head in such a fasion that with someone on the ground they can push it on and do the same with the oher side. They can bend REALLY far so dont be afraid to be rough with them

I couldn't do this the last time i had the head off so i just have the right hand side one on. I used C clamps to vise the DP and the exhaust together and with a big pry bar stretched the clampy thingy on there. I have a tiny exhaust leak but what ever. Put the bottom side on first and pry bar the top over. Such a silly design. There are other methods if you use the search. Some people did like a reverse exhaust clamp (those D looking things) method where you turn the bolts and it stretches the C clamp open enough to put it over the DP and exhaust

[saurkraut]

Use an exhaust clamp (oddly appropriate) or something like it...

(stolen picture)



Andrew

Thats my favorite method, even over the purpose made tool for them.  I use the exhaust clamps to take the clips off too.  No more pry-and-cringe.  :wink:

[burn_your_money]

I have the proper tool. Well worth it. I still try and pry them off though, it's faster.

Another method is to spread the C clip open with 2 pliers then insert a bolt in the tallest secton of the C that will hold it open. Then put the clip in place and knock the bolt out.

[85gti]

You guys are awesome!  I frequent a lot of forums and this is by far the most helpfull I have found.  Thanks guys!

[85gti]

Use an exhaust clamp (oddly appropriate) or something like it...

(stolen picture)



Andrew

that way worked awesome!  2.5" clamp too.  
thanks again!

[DCC]

Have another one. This one comes handy when you don't have tools or anything useful around.

You place the downpipe (don't bolt it yet to the turbo), and lean it backwards. You put the clamps on, then lean the downpipe forward to its right place.

Might take a couple attempts, but this ghetto technique works fine.

[Vincent Waldon]

One last clue.... a light smear of orange hi-temp Permatex works wonders at sealing the wire/asbestos donut gasket !

[Op-Ivy]

The permatex stuff does work great! It has to be the orange stuff though; Highest temp stuff they make.

The 2.5" exhaust clamps are great for this! It might be a good idea to grind the top of one flat to make it safer. If those c-clips slip under tension they go flying!

I just spent a long time piddling around with that area. I can get a c-clip off and on now in 5 mins.