Up Pipes!

[hooter1066]

Im installing a new engine in my F250. Should I replace the up pipes? Ive heard alot about them leaking, is this really a problem?

[SOHCPOWER]

Yes they are a problem. The best thing to do is to take the y-pipe apart where the donut gasket is and inspect the pipe. If it's wore all the way through the pipe or really bad than get new ones (or upgrade). If they look decent just replace the gasket and hardware and torque them down tight. Don't tighten the y-pipe down until you have it connected to the turbo though. I'd also suggest getting the turbo and the up-pipes installed before you put the tranny in. It's a lot easier that way.

[hooter1066]

What do you mean by upgrading. Whats avaliable?

[SOHCPOWER]

You can get Bellowed up-pipes which eliminate the pesky donut gasket. I think diesel-orings.com has them. Plenty of other people have them to. I personally don't have a big beef with the stock ones. I you fix them right they can last 200,000 miles at a time.

[greenbeast]

Defiantly get the bellowed up pipes!!! Do it once and be done with the doughnut gaskets!

[SOHCPOWER]

The only problem i have with the bellowed up-pipes is the cost. I can remove the turbo and replace the gaskets in about 2 hours. No need to spend $500 bucks on something that doesn't do anything more than stock.

[greenbeast]

The main problem I have is the bolts do not come out of the collector correctly, or break off and depending on the gasket being used I have seen some of the bolts backing off and leaking at an in opportune time. Also the collector itself can crack the casting where the bolts go in. Some wont have any issues, others will struggle.

[SOHCPOWER]

I have definitely seen lots of the bolts snap off in there. I usually at least run a tap through before i reassemble but sometimes have to helicoil them. I think the bolts start backing out when the gasket wear's out. The tension is released then they walk out. I have personally never seen a cracked housing though.