Class A: Engine Flexpipe Connector
It is important to visually inspect the flexpipe connector that connects the turbo to the muffler regularly (at least at every service) to insure its integrity. The flexpipe connector is the 4 inch by 15 inch flexible metal pipe that connects the hard pipe exiting the turbo connection on top to the hard pipe entering the muffler on the bottom.
Caution: The maintenance recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any maintenance procedures. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.
My wife had been telling me that she had been smelling exhaust in the bedroom area of the coach recently as we have been traveling this past winter and spring. She also said that the engine sounds louder now than it has in the past. At her insistence, I crawled under the engine area of the coach to inspect and attempt to determine what seemed to be the cause of these issues. As I looked up at the muffler and exhaust system I quickly saw the problem.
The flexpipe was completely broken right at the point where it was attached at the bottom, just forward (towards the front of the coach) of the solid pipe leading directly to the muffler (photo above). The clamp was holding the broken bottom end of the flexpipe securely to the solid hard pipe, but the flexpipe was severed immediately above where the clamp was attached at the point where the solid pipe terminated inside the flexpipe.
I first attempted to "put a bandage" on it by attempting to tape it closed until I could get it fixed (see photo below).
Temporary Repair of Flexpipe Connector
The tape didn't hold, so at our next overnight stop, I then removed the 4 inch diameter by 15 inch long flexpipe and took it to a truck parts store.
Removing Broken Flexpipe Connector
I was told that the flexpipe was made of galvanized steel and that it should be replaced with a stainless steel piece. I was also told that, due to the vibration, a galvanized steel flexpipe is much more susceptable to fracture than stainless. The new stainless steel flexpipe cost me about $17 and I was able to replace it myself without too much difficulty. It appears that the OEM flexpipe connector is made of galvanized steel which probably cost the manufacturer about 1/3rd the cost of stainless steel. To me it seems a little "pennywise and pound foolish", but I also understand "the bottom line".
To be safe, inspect the flexpipe connector and if it appears unusually loose or broken have it replaced (or replace it yourself) with a piece of stainless steel flexpipe.
New stainless Flexpipe Connector
Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.
