156 TS downpipe in Ireland?

[cjt156]

Hi folks, longtime lurker, infrequent poster.
My 156 2.0 TS exhaust has just started blowing from the flexi-section. Any recommendations on sourcing a reasonably-priced unit locally. Shipping from the UK looks like being an issue. Dealers seem to be quoting EU270!
thanks.

[swarlb]

Is it a single or double cat ?

[Cathal_H]

I got one done on a 156 2.0TS around 3/4 years ago... it was around euro130 in one of the 'quick fit' places here in Cork. They sold some generic flexi-piece. The part was fine but the workmanship was terrible. I had to go back to them for a 2nd time to have it reinstalled.... disappointing, but was fine on the 2nd attempt.

Did you try this company for the part ?
Alfa Romeo Exhaust Pipes | Alfa Romeo 156 (932) Exhaust Pipes | Exhaust Pipes for Alfa Romeo 156 (932)

The real pain of this job is getting the old (corroded) bolts off and aligning the flanges...

[Dermo]

The only thing to check first is engine mounts to see if they are worn as my flexi pipe was blowing and the guy said that my engine mount would need to be replaced before the fleixi pipe was replaced as replacimg the flexi was of little use as it would go again . They can be welded if you get a good guy to do it , There must be some guys in dublin that can do it ?

[Alfa155 TS]

try partfinder and do it yourself, you'll save a fortune

[cjt156]

Originally Posted by swarlb

Is it a single or double cat ?

Single cat as its a CF2; I usually order parts for a 1999 model to avoid confusion.

Originally Posted by Alfa155 TS

try partfinder and do it yourself, you'll save a fortune

Hadn't thought of second hand, what about Trainor's. Would you trust a s/h piece?

Have to sort it quick & unfortunately I'm skint at the mo'. Its gone from slightly wheezy on Friday to the hammers of hell today.

[Cathal_H]

Depending in where its cracked it might be possible to use exhaust tape or a small.weld to get you out of trouble.short.term....

I'll try post links later when I get to PC..

Best of luck....

[johnniep]

I have the same issue on a 2.0L CF2 engine. Managed to source the part from a breakers locally for €45! Now just waiting for the WD40 to get to work as the bolts at the exhaust join are welded together from the heat

[Cathal_H]

This was the stuff I was thinking of...... it might be a quick cheap fix until you get a permanent fix sorted:

10M ALUMINIUM EXHAUST PIPE REPAIR TAPE 50p P&P OFFER | eBay


OR

HIGH TEMP HEAT TREATED EXHAUST WRAP TAPE 1meter | eBay

[Mysterio]

Do these things really work ? Seen them in halfords as well, but can't remember the price.

[Cathal_H]

To be honest I don't know... I've never used them... but was told by cousin that they are ok for a quick job.. but not permanent... it depends on where the blow-hole is on the flexy section too on the OPs car...

[cjt156]

Thanks for the input folks.
I had considered those patch-kits but the flexi-pipe is blown through right at the front on the curved shoulder section so I doubt it would hold.
I was getting quotes from partfinder for about EU100 used! Micksgarage have a Bosal part for EU270.
Then I found a place in Belfast EDF that will deliver a new one for EU75. Have to see what the quality is like but fingers crossed I'll change it at the weekend.

I'll update how it went (if I can ever open the bolts)

[Cathal_H]

Best of luck with the fix... I do remember the bolts on our 156 had to be cut off and drilled out...

It wasn't too difficult... but the crowd in Cork that did the work just made a dogs dinner of it first time around.

[Mufasa]

Originally Posted by Cathal_H

Best of luck with the fix... I do remember the bolts on our 156 had to be cut off and drilled out...

It wasn't too difficult... but the crowd in Cork that did the work just made a dogs dinner of it first time around.

No bad words against Cark around here bhoy!!!

[cjt156]

Any one know the correct size bolts so I can steal...emm, borrow... a few from work just in case?

[cjt156]

Well that went well!

Part delivered next day. Spent Saturday under the car. 4 nuts/bolts by the manifold end came off OK. The 2 nuts by the Cat were rusted away to nothing, had to carefully cut them off and try not to damage the threads on the studs. The bracket before the lambda sensor had dissolved too - replaced by a jubilee clip.

The flexi section had completely separated from the pipe. New piece looks good, welding is a bit spotty but we'll see how it goes. Thumbs up for exhaustdirectfit.

All back together and purring like a kitten, well pleased.

[Cathal_H]

Originally Posted by cjt156

Well that went well!

Part delivered next day. Spent Saturday under the car. 4 nuts/bolts by the manifold end came off OK. The 2 nuts by the Cat were rusted away to nothing, had to carefully cut them off and try not to damage the threads on the studs. The bracket before the lambda sensor had dissolved too - replaced by a jubilee clip.

The flexi section had completely separated from the pipe. New piece looks good, welding is a bit spotty but we'll see how it goes. Thumbs up for exhaustdirectfit.

All back together and purring like a kitten, well pleased.

Good to hear all went well.... that's a good place to know for future... another bookmarked added on the old PC!

Originally Posted by roarsbaby

No bad words against Cark around here bhoy!!!

Hey! I'm not dissssin the locals at all.... lets just say the lad who did the dogs dinner job wasn't a local at all... he was a bit pale so to speak.... *only joking lads*

[Mufasa]

Originally Posted by Cathal_H

Hey! I'm not dissssin the locals at all.... lets just say the lad who did the dogs dinner job wasn't a local at all... he was a bit pale so to speak.... *only joking lads*

Cathal you're stirring up a hornet's nest there lad!!!