Exhaust, again

Fortunately (!!) the exhaust failed just by the slip road to Fleet Services on the M3 and I was in the nearside lane - so could coast into the first available parking space with the pipe rattling along the road. Just before that, I had been in the outside lane overtaking lorries.....

Same problem as before.... the y-section between the manifold and long straight pipe had failed at the circular weld.

So I rang Max, and he managed to persuade Paul of Swiss Cottage to drop everything and come and collect me. Which he did - another low-loader trip to Lakeside.

So, discussions followed. It seems that the manufacturer of the failed sections have only ever heard of two failures, both on my Elan. Same for Max.

Clearly the weld (Mig-welded?) had thinned the metal. Therefore I asked Max if the section could be strengthened, which has been done and the new part fitted. Max has also fashioned a catcher, made from locking wire, for the straight section so that should I experience another failure the straight pipe won't immediately fall on to the road.

I also have another, strengthened, y-section which I will carry in the car spares and tools bag. Belt, braces, string............. or wire........