View Full Version : Broken Side-pipe, now broken header
While driving today, I started noticing a rattle, which soon turned into the motor backfiring whenever I let off the gas.
When I got back I noticed that the both sidepipe welds had broken.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/02roush/photo2-4.jpg
I looked a little further, and yup, it also broke my header.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/02roush/photo-2.jpg
I know this is somewhat common with these side-pipes, but I don't think it should look this bad after 2500 miles.
Is this all able to be fixed by a welder?
Cobradavid
06-26-2011, 02:33 PM
I've read that it's good to use only one bolt to attach the side pipe to the hanger. If you use both bolts, it puts extra stress on the tab's weld (or the surrounding metal next to the tab - where yours broke).
RooRocks
06-26-2011, 03:30 PM
Is it really better to not use the hangers if you have 4 into 4 headers?
Jeff Kleiner
06-26-2011, 03:37 PM
Use the hanger with only one mounting bolt and locking nut, left slightly loose. It will help support the weight but allow some pivoting movement. With both bolts installed and clamped tight it is not unusual for the pipe mounting tab to rip out of the tubing because it is stressed by movement.
Jeff
I dont understand. My header broke cause there was no support on the sidepipe. So wouldn't getting rid of the hangar make it worse?
Also, what about Urethane motormounts? My motor shakes the car pertty badly to begin with, so I don't want it awful. But would that help?
I dont understand. My header broke cause there was no support on the sidepipe. So wouldn't getting rid of the hangar make it worse?
Also, what about Urethane motormounts? My motor shakes the car pertty badly to begin with, so I don't want it awful. But would that help?
I've used the poly mounts and side pipe hangers with only one loose nut/bolt in the top hole of the mount. The side pipe brackets were installed as FFR described in the Build Manual, using the rubber Mustang muffer hangers cut in half. I have tracked a couple of times, auto crossed and driven 20,000 miles during the past two years and the pipes/4X4 headers are still fine. I have hit some pretty big potholes and unexpected bumps during the past two years that made me feel like I was going to shake my good remaining kidney into jello. :)
I know some people that have gone without side pipe hangers at all and so far so good. I personally think that is a lot of stress on the headers when you consider the lever action of the long side pipes putting stress on the headers when you hit big bumps. I have a 302 and the poly mounts hold the engine pretty still.
When looking at other people's set ups, I think it's important to look at driving habits, engine size, engine mounts used and exactly how the side pipe hangers are installed. There are lots of different combinations, which could all result in different results.
YMMV..
TO update. I took the pipes and headers and had them welded back together. We also added some supports to the hangar where it welds to sidepipe(ie cross-support front and back)
All was well, so I took it to get it aligned.
Coming off the rack, the driver side hangar caught and ripped the rubber snubber out of the chassis and bent the hangar arm.
(shaking head)
My fun continues, lol
seagull81
06-30-2011, 12:13 PM
Nemo,
You have a PM.
Ophitoxaemia
07-02-2011, 09:11 AM
In addition to stress on the sidepipes from driving over bumps, they also can get a lot of movement from the twisting of the engine under acceleration, especially if your motor mount bolts get loose. Ask me how I know =)