Date:         Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:15:12 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Stubborn Exhaust leak
Comments: To: Michael Diehr <md03@XOCHI.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <E7BCD6CC-1492-4D93-9FFD-E7EB0ADEC72E@xochi.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I have three running Vanagons and the fourth is a parts machine
(terminally rusted).  On three different occasions, I have ordered the
BD exhaust systems (pipes made by Dansk) and on all three I've had to
file the welds flat that stuck up at most of the flanges.  No biggie,
but it had to be done.  All their welds are on the inside rather than
the outside.  Go figure.  I had no trouble with the fit of any of the
three systems.  The exhaust brace brackets are surface welded to the
flanges (no real penetration) and break off easily in use.

I only bought one Cat and, where I am in Maine, there is no emmissions
testing so I don't know how well it is actually performing.  I will say,
though, that it came with a plug where an oxygen sensor could go.  I
didn't examine that plug so I don't know if it was metal or plastic nor
if it was tight.  Anyway, after I installed it, I drove away and less
than a block away ... the exhaust became immediately loud.  Inspection
showed that plug was gone.  I went to a flaps and got an oil drain plug
with the correct threads and it has been working like a charm for 5 or 6
years now.

You don't EVEN want to know what it would cost to have a shop source and
install an exhaust system for you.  Believe me, it would be a bunch.

Mike
Houlton, Maine
'85 GL Westy 2.1
'84 GL 7 pass
'84 Westy
'84 Westy (parts van)



Michael Diehr wrote:
> Any thoughts on the quality of the BD system?  Is the cat in that OK
> (I remember a prior thread where folks said that most aftermarket cats
> are not high quality).
>
> If I just take it to my mechanic and say "fix it" any idea what the
> retail cost of a new exhaust system would be?