2052006 10 Posted June 5, 2009 Having a few problems re-welding my manifold. I have reangled it fine and it was spot welded with a MIG. It was taken away by my mate who can weld (ish!) for him to finish it off - seal it up etc. Got it back today but have since found there are about a dozen pin-holes throughout the welding. I'm pretty sure he used a MIG. Took it to an exhaust place and they said it would need TIG welding (which I understand is easier to do fiddlier bits). Is this correct? And, if so, anyone know anywhere/anyone around Swindon or Cheltenham who can do this for me? It's really annoying as I had planned to fit the manifold and get the engine running this weekend. Can I start the engine and let it run (if I can get it started!) without an exhaust mani fitted? Will it do any harm? Obviously I won't be driving it or even moving it, it's just to see if my wiring is correct (or more likely how incorrect it is ). Cheers Pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,000 Posted June 5, 2009 It's really annoying as I had planned to fit the manifold and get the engine running this weekend. Can I start the engine and let it run (if I can get it started!) without an exhaust mani fitted? Will it do any harm? Obviously I won't be driving it or even moving it, it's just to see if my wiring is correct (or more likely how incorrect it is ). You can start it, but it will be VERY loud and be spitting flames out of the exhaust ports, so you really wouldn't want to leave it running for more than a few seconds... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted June 5, 2009 Oh. Better get it fitted then... Know anywhere round Swindon good for TIG welding? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 5, 2009 I'm not that near by, but I can do it for you and do it properly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted June 5, 2009 That's a very kind offer. Where in Northamptonshire are you - PM if you want. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wracing 19 Posted June 5, 2009 i don't really see why it has to be tig welded. i would knock off the weld with a grinder and go over were ever needs attention. you never going to get it clean enough for a good tig weld anyway. post some pics if possible. i think there are trying to rip you off im sure an air grinder/ die grinder and mig will do fine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 5, 2009 Between Daventry and Banbury. It doesn't have to be TIG welded, but you will just get a much nicer result. I now have the equipment to back-purge welds so you won't end up with all the horrible tumours you get when welding stainless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richsmells 2 Posted June 6, 2009 (edited) Swindon to Banbury isn't too far. Go the Chipping Norton route, there are some good roads! Sorry off topic! Edited June 6, 2009 by richsmells Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted June 6, 2009 (edited) Below should be a couple of photos (phone only, so quality not very good) but hopefully it gives you an idea. The black circles are where I've marked some of the "pin holes" with a marker pen. Edited June 6, 2009 by 2052006 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B1ack_Mi16 67 Posted June 6, 2009 Below should be a couple of photos (phone only, so quality not very good) but hopefully it gives you an idea. The black circles are where I've marked some of the "pin holes" with a marker pen. Those welds looks like they have been done by someone who just can't weld. If you use the MiG the correct way it's no problem to get proper burn in dept and nice looking welds, not to mention leaks.. That's surely not the MiG's fault but the welder Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,526 Posted June 6, 2009 Unfortunately it looks like your mate has good intentions in trying to help you, but his welding isn't really up to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted June 6, 2009 Unfortunately, I think you may be right! Thanks for your honest opinions I think I will test fit it tomorrow morning again, make sure it's still at the correct angle. And then get it done properly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wracing 19 Posted June 6, 2009 i would cut that back off grind off all the weld and start again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alastairh 47 Posted June 6, 2009 Deffinatly looks like bird s*it, find another mate... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Emmy Seize 8 Posted June 8, 2009 Ok, welds are not pretty indeed. However, that isn't necessarily down to poor welding skills. From personal experience, carbon deposits from exhaust gasses on used manifolds can cause big trouble, even if the welding kit is set properly. I would follow the advice of cutting the welds and starting again after giving the insides a good clean with a wire brush. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 8, 2009 It can cause trouble, but with a MIG you won't end up with dog vomit like that unless you don't know what you're doing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taylorspug 7 Posted June 8, 2009 Those welds looks like they have been done by someone who just can't weld. If you use the MiG the correct way it's no problem to get proper burn in dept and nice looking welds, not to mention leaks.. That's surely not the MiG's fault but the welder +1. Ive MIG welded a few of these now, and they actually weld up very nicely if the welder is set right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 8, 2009 It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben_M 1 Posted June 8, 2009 It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire! thats how I did mine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taylorspug 7 Posted June 9, 2009 (edited) It goes without saying really, but you'd be surprised.. You should use stainless wire! :D Edited June 9, 2009 by taylorspug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 9, 2009 No point in having a nice stainless manifold / system if your welds just rust away! I've been guilty of doing it in the past, I wouldn't now though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
