CaveVan Forum

VW T4 "Eurovans" => VR6 Engine tech => Topic started by: Micah on January 20, 2016, 09:05:59 am

Title: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: Micah on January 20, 2016, 09:05:59 am

In the last few days, I have developed a really loud front exhaust leak. :o Feeling the flex portion of the front pipe just below the exhaust manifold has confirmed my suspicions. One  - possibly both of the flex portions of the front pipe are separated.  :(

Has anyone had to replace this on their van, if so were you able to find an aftermarket part? I am also wondering if anyone has a used front pipe that is in good condition? :)

So far online I have found:
 EXHAUST SYSTEM / Front pipe
Part Number: 021253091G

front pipe 2.8 LITER, 6 CYLINDER
MSRP   Core ?   Online Price
$609.00   $0.00   $460.40

Any other ideas for sourcing, and is it easy to change?

Thanks!

Micah

Title: Re: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: krautwagen on February 18, 2016, 03:13:42 pm

I had to replace mine on my 1999 Eurovan 12v VR6 2 years ago. The only place I could find one was from the dealership, paid around $500 for it. I had tried and failed to weld up the cracked tubes at the header on the old pipes. The exhaust was seeping into the passenger compartment so I had to bite the bullet and replace that part.

These vans are only getting older, and parts more expensive. Pretty soon you won't be able to find those down pipes. I am having major engine problems with my van now, not sure how much it is going to cost me this time.

Good luck,

Andy

Title: Re: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: ckunkel on March 11, 2016, 11:08:52 am

I had the same issue as krautwagen and we had a Shop in Seattle weld the cracks and they have held for some time ( about a year)now but we went ahead and ordered the part from the dealership to have just in case.  This is a part that we had to wait for over 8 months to get from the dealer due to out of stock and no aftermarket parts for this.

Title: Re: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: robinson1509 on July 09, 2016, 08:52:57 am

You can cut out the old flexable coupler and weld in a new one and have a repair as good or better than oem for much less money.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: greggearhead on July 26, 2016, 08:47:54 pm

What Robinson said. 

Stop by a hot-rod or Harley custom builder shop.  Ask them who they would have build them a pipe like that. 

I've built lots of exhausts, and modified a handful of headers/downpipes.  It's not rocket science, but you won't find them on every corner and it also isn't easy if you don't weld.  Don't let it hold you back.

Title: Re: Exhaust front pipe/down pipe
Post by: Cole on August 03, 2016, 06:41:02 pm

We just recently had this same issue on one of our 1999 12V VR6 vans.

While we had it apart we built a jig to make custom, slightly larger, mid/down pipes for the VR6.

We have also jigged the entire rest of the exhaust and should have them available soon.