If you take it off and have it rewelded, consider asking if the welder
if they can run some beads on the inside.

Yes I know this may alter the interior of the pipe but it can be done:

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/exhaust

Have a look at the 3rd paragraph. And bear in mind that my welder
worked on a pretty pi** poor exhaust design/manufacture! (mine!)
Still, it was pretty smooth on the interior of the repaired pipe.

Not saying it's *the* answer ( I saw another post where David Marshall
advised re vibrations etc) but it may help.

I can say from experience, that how (and with what materials) the
exhaust is mounted to the engine, is crucial!

Neil.

On Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 7:13 AM, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'd have to remove the PS pump to make access from the top, but I
> thought tack-welding first, then removing the pipe  to complete the
> job would do the trick.
>
> As for the pushrod tube shields, I have never seen a WBX without them.
>  It may not be a big deal as long as you don't venture off pavement as
> they protect pushrod tubes from possible punctures and resulting
> leaks.
>
> 2008/10/16 Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu>:
>> Sorry I can't answer your welding question with authority, though I
>> can't think of any reason why it couldn't be welded.  Are you wanting it
>> done in-place?  I guess it might be tough to get the MIG torch up in
>> there at the right angle.
>>
>> Anyway, I noticed in your pics that you have tin covering the bottom of
>> the engine (where the pushrod tubes are, etc).  I don't have any of that
>> on mine, wondering if that's a big deal or not....
>>
>> Allan
>> --
>> 1991 Vanagon GL
>>
>> "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> said:
>>
>>> Yeah, I thought that would get your attention.  :-)
>>>
>>> A follow up to my stainless welding question...
>>>
>>> Here are the pics:
>>>
>>> http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/misterpolak/WBX_transplant/Example_Pics/Exhaustcrack1.jpg
>>> http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/misterpolak/WBX_transplant/Example_Pics/Exhaustcrack2.jpg
>>>
>>> The crack started at the top. The pipe sprang away and up from the
>>> flange.  There was about a 1.5 cm gap before I
>>> put the obvious hose clamp on it to hold it against the flange - this
>>> is so I can make it to the muffler shop.
>>>
>>> These pipes are stainless steel.  What do you think about welding this?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Chris S.
>>> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"
>>>
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"
>

--
Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/