Pitted Y-Pipe at the O-Rings

[DMC5180]

So if a shop said they could fix my y-pipe with a belt sander... Would that be a good thing or a bad thing? I have to say I was expecting something like a milling machine.

Not that a belt sander wouldn't work IF done properly. But you run the risk of Crowning the surfaces. Insist they do surface milling.

[DMCMW Dave]

Not that a belt sander wouldn't work IF done properly. But you run the risk of Crowning the surfaces. Insist they do surface milling.

It's really hard to get it straight with a belt sander, and if it isn't straight the agony of doing it all over is pretty high. Find another shop.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Not that a belt sander wouldn't work IF done properly. But you run the risk of Crowning the surfaces. Insist they do surface milling.

I agree. I even have a very large bench belt sander and would suspect the leading edge would crown a little using that.

[David T]

I agree. I even have a very large bench belt sander and would suspect the leading edge would crown a little using that.

I would not hesitate to use a belt sander but a lot has to do with experience, how much materiel you are removing, and the equipment you are using. The part is difficult to hold properly in a milling machine and if not done properly it can be damaged that way too. Bottom line, the part may be salvagable but if it is very corroded it has to be considered unusable. If damaged by trying to save it by sanding you have lost nothing. Another possible solution could be welding and grinding it. At some point it can cost more to try repairing the part than replacing it. If you remove a LOT of materiel be careful the bolts are not so long as to bottom out before getting the joint tight. You might have to use washers or shorten the bolts. Even if you do not get it perfectly flat it is still worth a try. No biggie if it leaks, just test it BEFORE you put the intake manifold back on. Use some silicone on the "O" rings and Never-Seize on the bolts.

[NightFlyer]

Again, I'd personally attempt the repair myself before spending money at a machine shop. However, I'd personally try filling the pits and sanding the excess filler down to the existing flat surface as opposed to just removing material. That way, if your attempted repair doesn't work, you still have the option of removing material. If you botch a straight material removal repair, then you don't have a second chance, are SOL, and will have to procure a new part.

http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-highheat/



http://www.alumaloy.com/

[Bitsyncmaster]

That high heat epoxy looks interesting. Never saw that before. Looks like something I would try and anyone can do it.

[David T]

I would hesitate using an epoxy. The heat may soften it enough to leak. Welding is the way to go.

[SupercoolBill]

Just machined my Y-pipe to make it usable.

Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk