Exhaust Down Pipe

[HermTDI]

WTF...

Car Info:
1989 Jetta 1.6L N/A (ME engine)

Problem: Exhaust down pipe spring clamps.

Replacing the exhaust down pipe (from the exhaust manifold) there are two (2) spring clamps. What is the scoop on spreading these clamps to install the down pipe?

Any tips/ insights/tricks that make these evil clamps manageable?

TIA
Herm

[wyldman]

You should be able to squeeze on side on by hand,by swinging the pipe to one side.

A muffler clamp will get the other one on.It's kinda hard to describe,so do a search,as I have seen pictures of it on the web.They are also some other homemade tools I have seen that will do it.

There is a special tool for it,but you probably won't want to spend the money for it.

[chrissev]

WTF...

Car Info:
1989 Jetta 1.6L N/A (ME engine)

Problem: Exhaust down pipe spring clamps.

Replacing the exhaust down pipe (from the exhaust manifold) there are two (2) spring clamps. What is the scoop on spreading these clamps to install the down pipe?

Any tips/ insights/tricks that make these evil clamps manageable?

TIA
Herm

use a muffler clamp.  Take the bolts off the muffler clamp, then take the bottom part off the clamp.  Then put the bolts back on with the bottom part off.  Then thread the bolts all the way up to the top and slide the bottom part onto the clamp.  Place the muffler clamp inside the C clamp.  Then gradually turn the bolts downwards, pressing the bottom of the muffler clamp against one half of the C clamp, while the top of the muffler clamp rests against the other half of the C clamp.  It helps to file the top of the muffler clamp a bit so that it is flat and stays in place better.  Continue doing this, turning each bolt alternatly, until you have widened the C clamp enough to get it on the toilet bowl fitting.  Then when you have it on, remove the muffler clamp and knock the C clamp into its permanent place.

[HermTDI]

Thank you for the info on using a common exhaust "Wue" clamp.
I wish I saw this thread sooner....here are photos of this procedure ...

http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/index.shtml#ExhaustClampTool