Manifold to Cat bolts have rusted through. What to do? Stupid 182

[Pistachio]

*rhyme mode off*

One bolt was AWOL, the other was hanging on. Looks like it has been held on by 1 bolt for a while, then today it gave up. I've bodged it with some wire to stop the bolt springing off to the side. It won't last long though. What are my options? Do away with the olive joint and weld the whole thing up?

 

[R3k1355]

Looks like the little bucket the bolt holds into has gone, you should be able to get a new one in the hole.
Comes as part of the Renault fitting kit I think.

Little bit next to the bolt in this picture

 

[R3k1355]

Genuine Clio 172 182 Exhaust Fitting Kit Front to Manifold - Renault Parts Direct

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Looking at those pics , both flanges on the manifold and cat look fcuked . I doubt even a new cat fitting kit would sort that out .
I knocked up my own fitting kit using stainless parts , better than the original Renault ones.

https://www.cliosport.net/threads/cat-manifold-diy-fitting-kit.799011/

 

[Pistachio]

Yeah there isn't much meat left on the lugs. Especially on the cat end. It would be brilliant if a fitting kit would sort it though. Might be worth trying for £20

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Yeah there isn't much meat left on the lugs. Especially on the cat end. It would be brilliant if a fitting kit would sort it though. Might be worth trying for £20

It's worth a try . It's not really driveable the way it is . Have a look at that kit I knocked up . All the parts are available on ebay . You can reuse your springs and the end caps that they sit in .

 

[Pistachio]

I'm going to give the local Renault dealer a ring tomorrow because I wanted it sorted ASAP. They probably wont have it though so I'll have a look at the stainless option.


Are the lugs on the cat supposed to be C shaped or an enclosed hole? Just because when I was tightening up that bolt it just wanted to slip off to the side. Which is why I used the wire

 

[Pistachio]

Also, the lug part on my cat looks like it has been welded on. Is that a part you can replace?

 

[R3k1355]

People do cut and re-weld the cats so it's possible if you could find a replacement part.

A new decat pipe is less than 50 quid tho, a cheap generic cat is 70.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

I'm going to give the local Renault dealer a ring tomorrow because I wanted it sorted ASAP. They probably wont have it though so I'll have a look at the stainless option.


Are the lugs on the cat supposed to be C shaped or an enclosed hole? Just because when I was tightening up that bolt it just wanted to slip off to the side. Which is why I used the wire

Should be a hole not C shaped, but they do seem to rust through and become C shaped . They are 12 ish years old now .

 

[Pistachio]

hmm I might just go down the decat route

 

[MRBILLYUK]

hmm I might just go down the decat route

But you'll have to change it back when it comes MOT time . Maybe take it to an exhaust place , they should be able to cut off the old flanges and weld new ones on . Worth a try .

 

[Pistachio]

Looks like the little bucket the bolt holds into has gone, you should be able to get a new one in the hole.
Comes as part of the Renault fitting kit I think.

Little bit next to the bolt in this picture

View attachment 1376327

Does this look right?

 

[Pistachio]

I've got a second hand cat coming too btw

 

[botfch]

Bit late now but mine was like that, I just welded a couple of nuts on to repair it been fine for the last few years.

 

[Pistachio]

Bit late now but mine was like that, I just welded a couple of nuts on to repair it been fine for the last few years.

On to the cat or the manifold?

 

[botfch]

The cat, but could be done to both I guess.

 

[R3k1355]

Does this look right?View attachment 1377305

Yes (I think so)

I always put mine on the same way they came off, because I can't ever remember the correct order.

 

[Djw John]

Glad you've gone for a second hand cat, the aftermarket one on the black clio failed quickly! Became a decat during its first track outing!

 

[Pistachio]

Glad you've gone for a second hand cat, the aftermarket one on the black clio failed quickly! Became a decat during its first track outing!

Really? I'm sure that was a powerflow cat

 

[Djw John]

Yeah it was, didn't like too much heat!