Hi,

The flex pipe on my 83 300d is broken where it attaches between the flexible section that is vertical and the horizontal (perhaps cast iron) section that goes to the flange where the rest of the exhaust system bolts to it. I think Id like to try and tackle the replacement of this, but dont really know what is involved...

My problem is that searching the archives only gae me one related article, talking about how the new flex pipe is updated and doesnt bolt correctly to the original exhaust.

Am I mistaken in thinking that the "header pipe" sold on fastlane (which I believe is the flex pipe, etc), is everything from the small flexible tube by the turbo, all the way to the flange at the exhaust connection?

is there a way to simply repair the junction where the flexible vertical section of the pipe meets the horizontal section? That is where the leak is and that seems to be the source of the fumes in my cabin at idle, etc.

Thanks for any help,

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

You are correct. The header pipe is everything from the short accordion pipe at the turbo down to the flange joint at the front door area of the car. You will also need the donut at that joint (sometimes called a sealing ring) and the clamp at the turbo if you can't free the nut easily. The exhaust is so cheap on these cars that if the rest of the system isn't very solid, I'd just replace everything and be done with it for another 200K. Don't forget your muffler hanger donuts!

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83 M-B 300D- daily driver
83 240D gray market
2002 VW Jetta TDI- beater

my pipe broke in the same spot. i took it to my muffler guys & they welded a new flex pipe on for $80.
JOHN M