Exhaust valve closed

[MarksRS]

Looks like one of the exhaust butterfly valves isn't operating as it should? The right (offside) one seems to be permanently closed and if I'm right, when the engine is off the valves should be in the open position and upon start up (and when Sport button not activated) they should both be closed.
If I'm correct what are the simple steps to free the sticky one? I've tried searching this and have seen it mentioned that some WD40 would be worth a try but where exactly should I be applying this, is WD40 best and how much should I be spraying?
Thanks

[Cecilthesausage]

Spray it on the flaps in the tailpipes.... Give it a poke with a long screwdriver to free it...

[MarksRS]

Simple then. I'll give it try. Thanks

[MarksRS]

That seemed to do the trick Pleased it was so simple
I'll see how it operates over the next few days...

[adsgreen]

Spray it on the flaps in the tailpipes.... Give it a poke with a long screwdriver to free it...

Then hit it with a hammer.


Random tangent, but I was on a flight last week that had to make an immediate return back to the airport as a door had just 'popped' open.. Landed and after repeatedly slamming the door it was then hit several times with a hammer. Jeez, it's how I fixed my first car (1.1 1979 fiesta!)

[coldo]

I had this problem, the NS flap was constantly shut.

I got a 500mm wooden broomstick, soaked the flap in WD40, left to dwell for a minute then lightly chapped the end of the wood a few times until i felt the flap opening, checked after every chap and it eventually opened, soaked it in WD again and left it then went a drive, operating as normal.

Then a couple of weeks later i blanked off the vacuum hoses to the flaps so they are always open - best free mod there is!!

[adsgreen]

I had this problem, the NS flap was constantly shut.

I got a 500mm wooden broomstick, soaked the flap in WD40, left to dwell for a minute then lightly chapped the end of the wood a few times until i felt the flap opening, checked after every chap and it eventually opened, soaked it in WD again and left it then went a drive, operating as normal.

Then a couple of weeks later i blanked off the vacuum hoses to the flaps so they are always open - best free mod there is!!

Worth regreasing after as wd40 isn't a lubricant (in fact it breaks down grease and oils).
Something like motorcycle chain lube would be ideal

[Skid-136]

I used 3in1 oil on mine and it seemed to do the trick,never had any problems with it since,I also sprayed it on the arm that operates the flap on top of the exhaust too. Done the other one too to stop it potentially sticking also.

[MarksRS]

Great advice thanks

[irishmike]

Think mine might be stuck too so I'll try the above.
I'm guessing if I look down the pipe I can see these flaps to check?

[MarksRS]

I used bit of 3-in-1 spray with PTFE. Worked a treat!
I've attached link which hopefully works http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000 ... UTF8&psc=1
When engine is off the valves are closed. If you can't quite see, shine a torch down the exhaust. Upon start up, let the car settle into idle (below 1,000rpm) and press sport button. Have another look to see if both valves have opened; if not, shut engine off and spray liberally around flap and on top of exhaust.
Luckily for me it was a simple,quick fix - hope it'll be the same for you

[MikeFish]

When engine is off the valves are closed.

No, when the engine is off the valves should be open. It needs the vacuum to close them. That's why disconnecting the hose leaves them in the open position.

And yes it is easy enough to see them by looking in the exhaust tail pipes (although as already suggested you may need a torch if it is dark).

[MarksRS]

Sorry, yes; Open.
I pictured mine closed, but of course that was when I hadn't oiled it

[irishmike]

Cheers guys.
Will give it a shot tonight