1972 Cadillac Eldorado exhaust - need exhaust pipe install/fix expierence

[Scot Minesinger]

Working on getting all mechanical issues resolved on a 72 Eldorado so it is near perfect mechanically.

Anyway the "Y" pipe was not well installed previously and it is in contact with the torsion bar suspension on both sides.  The photo was taken with jack stands on frame, all 4 tires off the ground.

It looks like I could put a jack and block of wood under each side of the exhaust pipe and persuade it upwards (slight bend, just 1/2" needed) as a resolution.  However, this would strain the cast iron tabs that secure the studs on the exhaust manifold, and I do not want to replace that manifold.  The exhaust manifold gaskets were just replaced a few months ago by others so I could probably loosen the two studs, reposition Y pipe and re-tighten.  Any ideas aside from major exhaust work? 

[savemy67]

Scot,

I think you are on the right tack.  If the stud bosses on the exhaust manifolds are of concern, I would disconnect the exhaust pipe at the Y pipe, loosen the stud nuts, and wiggle the exhaust end of the Y pipe to increase clearance at the torsion bars.  The photo shows the frame relief in the Y pipe so it looks as if the Y pipe is not hanging properly at the exhaust manifolds.  Do I recall correctly that the Y pipe joint at the exhaust manifold uses a thick, bevel-edged gasket?  If so, you should have enough play to adjust the Y pipe without losing the gas seal at the joint, especially since the gaskets are only a few months old.  Good luck.

Christopher Winter

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Looking at the condition of the pipe, it looks like it will soon need replacing anyway.

If it was bent up incorrectly in the first place, then you will have trouble relocating it, as it still has to attach to the tail pipe after it is re-tightened onto the manifolds.

Bruce.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Looking at the condition of the pipe, I bet if you loosen the exhaust bolts and look where the pipe was hitting the torsion bar you will have your answer.  I'd bet that pipe is worn enough to warrant its replacing.
Jeff

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Scott,
If you haven't already, what you will fined when you loosen the head pipe flange bolts and drop the flanges is that the pipe itself seals between the flange and the "ball end of the exhaust manifold.  As such there is a lot of adjustment to the assembly, and as you said, someone recently undid these connections, and probably either did not know or did not care about lining them up.
Greg Surfas

[Scot Minesinger]

You guys were right, there was enough adjustment to get an inch of clearance between torsion bars and exhaust pipe by just loosening the nuts on exhaust manifold studs, lifting up exhaust system and tightening back down.  One of the easiest repairs on this car.  One of the stud nuts was not even tight, so it should be quieter too.

About half way finished on this car.