Exhaust Tube Cracks

[OwdJockey]

While examining the exhaust tube from my Silver Century - WS I noticed a couple of small hair-line cracks emanating from the grooves that allow the tube to pinch onto the block exhaust spigot.

Is this common? Do they normally keep growing? Can I ignore?

Also, does this exhaust tube have brass underneath the chrome?

Many thanks in advance

[Horsley-Anarak]

I would not be too worried.

If the exhaust clamp is in good condition it will hold it all together. (John has nice stainless ones)

The tubes that I have are either Ali or Brass, give it a rub on the inside of the tube with some wet and dry and see if it is brass.

If it is brass you could silver solder the cracks, but that would ruin the chrome.

I have just replaced two of mine with 3" O/D polished stainless tube. It has a 1.5mm wall and fits the water pump housing well but need a few thou grinding out of the top end to get it to fit the cylinder.

If you want to replace it they come up on the Bay quite often and are not expensive.

H-A

[Jerry In Maine]

might not be as unsightly if you solder from the inside with solder/flux used for copper pipes.

[Keith.P]

I wouldn't think plumbing solder would take the heat or even last that long.
I have already fitted a stainless exhaust to one gull, slightly flared one end with a steel plug I made up, it looks like the original.