Volvo 240 failed MOT

[Beck]

Our car today failed its MOT on several points. Couple of minor things like
needing new numberplates, a light was not working and a couple of tyre
issues.

One of the issues though we are unsure about the possible cost to replace.
Apparently the exhaust downpipe needs replacing as it is letting off
dangerous fumes.

Just wondering what we should be expecting to pay to get the downpipe fixed
please?
UK £ sterling prices if possible please.

 

[Beck]

Our car today failed its MOT on several points. Couple of minor
things like needing new numberplates, a light was not working and a
couple of tyre issues.

One of the issues though we are unsure about the possible cost to
replace. Apparently the exhaust downpipe needs replacing as it is
letting off dangerous fumes.

Just wondering what we should be expecting to pay to get the downpipe
fixed please?
UK £ sterling prices if possible please.

Forgot to mention sorry, it is a 1993 volvo 240

 

[Jamie]

Are you referring to the section of pipe from the engine down to where
it makes the first joint with the exhaust pipe? This would be the
exhaust manifold, the 4 pipes coming from each cylinder, merging into
one.

If so, are there holes in the pipe or is it just the seals/gaskets?
You can order 4 new engine gaskets and replace these yourself for
probably about 12 -15 pounds sterling and the gasket that makes the
first joint is probably about half of that. Otherwise, the rest of the
exhaust system is sectioned off and you order each piece or a complete
system. A complete system (catalytic converter, back) costs about 175
pounds steriling ($350 USD).

 

[Beck]

Are you referring to the section of pipe from the engine down to where
it makes the first joint with the exhaust pipe? This would be the
exhaust manifold, the 4 pipes coming from each cylinder, merging into
one.

If so, are there holes in the pipe or is it just the seals/gaskets?
You can order 4 new engine gaskets and replace these yourself for
probably about 12 -15 pounds sterling and the gasket that makes the
first joint is probably about half of that. Otherwise, the rest of the
exhaust system is sectioned off and you order each piece or a complete
system. A complete system (catalytic converter, back) costs about 175
pounds steriling ($350 USD).

Hi there, yes I think it is the manifold. Not sure of the details of the
damage, only that it has dangerous levels of gases emitting from it.
We have had a quote for arounds about £200 from the local garage so I guess
its a complete job - either that or they are to rip us off. lol

 

[Jamie]

Well, the manifold is pretty thick and I would be amazed if it had
holes. I would get a second opinion on that one.

I detected my leaks when I poured a little SeaFoam cleaner into the
engine and it smoked like bloody hell. I could see EXACTLY where the
leaks were in the gaskets because that was the only place smoke was
emitting from.

 

[Michael Pardee]

Hi there, yes I think it is the manifold. Not sure of the details of the
damage, only that it has dangerous levels of gases emitting from it.
We have had a quote for arounds about £200 from the local garage so I
guess its a complete job - either that or they are to rip us off. lol

If the exhaust manifold is cracked (not terribly uncommon, but not all that
common in Volvos either) you are probably hearing a rhythmic sound when the
engine runs. It may be anything from a soft "tick" to a roar, and it gets
stronger as you open the throttle. That must be fixed, and I don't know of
any way except replacement. £200 doesn't sound too high.

Finding the leak is not hard to do yourself if you have a shop vacuum. Empty
the canister, connect the hose to the outlet and run the vacuum a minute to
blow loose debris out. Duct tape the hose to the exhaust pipe (when the
engine is cold) and turn the shop vacuum on. You can feel around the exhaust
manifold with your hand for the jet of air from the leak. At least you can
verify if it is a crack or a bad gasket. Either is likely to be lumped into
"a hole in the manifold" at MOT.

Mike

 

[Beck]

Well, the manifold is pretty thick and I would be amazed if it had
holes. I would get a second opinion on that one.

I detected my leaks when I poured a little SeaFoam cleaner into the
engine and it smoked like bloody hell. I could see EXACTLY where the
leaks were in the gaskets because that was the only place smoke was
emitting from.

I am not even sure it is the manifold to be honest.
From what I can gather (bear in mind this is second hand info), it is the
down pipe from the engine, because it was emitting these bad gases they were
not able to do the MOT emission test properly.
Does that mean anything to you?

 

[Beck]

If the exhaust manifold is cracked (not terribly uncommon, but not
all that common in Volvos either) you are probably hearing a rhythmic
sound when the engine runs. It may be anything from a soft "tick" to
a roar, and it gets stronger as you open the throttle. That must be
fixed, and I don't know of any way except replacement. £200 doesn't
sound too high.
Finding the leak is not hard to do yourself if you have a shop
vacuum. Empty the canister, connect the hose to the outlet and run
the vacuum a minute to blow loose debris out. Duct tape the hose to
the exhaust pipe (when the engine is cold) and turn the shop vacuum
on. You can feel around the exhaust manifold with your hand for the
jet of air from the leak. At least you can verify if it is a crack or
a bad gasket. Either is likely to be lumped into "a hole in the
manifold" at MOT.

As my reply to Jamie, I am not exactly sure what it is. Apparently the
gases in the downpipe are stopping the MOT emission tests from being
conducted properly. Its not my MOT but my Dads and he is a bit vague about
exactly what it is.
What I will say though is I do not think the MOT shop is pulling a fast one
to get repairs because the first thing he said was to get some other quotes
to do the work and he would match the quotes if we wanted him to do it. So
its not like a figure he has plucked from thin air.

A quick look at the MOT notes says "front exhaust system has a major leak of
exhaust gases". It does not go into further detail as to what the problem
is.