Is it just me? Silicone adapter keeps coming off on my Z

ZMedic · Tweet this Post! #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 07:05 PM

Hey guys.

Is it me or is this a common problem with your Turbonetic Z's. It seems, every now and again, when I haven't driven the car for a bit, and I get back on it, the first thing to come apart is the silicone adapter for the U shaped pipe the exits the passenger side intercooler, leading to the intake.
Luckily it's not a terrible fix. But it's always annoying. Its the rearward pipe that comes apart.
Has this happened to anyone else???

Robert · Tweet this Post! #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMedic

Hey guys.

Is it me or is this a common problem with your Turbonetic Z's. It seems, every now and again, when I haven't driven the car for a bit, and I get back on it, the first thing to come apart is the silicone adapter for the U shaped pipe the exits the passenger side intercooler, leading to the intake.
Luckily it's not a terrible fix. But it's always annoying. Its the rearward pipe that comes apart.
Has this happened to anyone else???

Make sure that the t bolt clamp is either above or below the beed roll on the pipe depending on its position. If its on the beed roll it will pop off fairly easily..

ZMedic · Tweet this Post! #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 07:50 PM

This may sound silly but there were included in the kit a variety of silicone connectors. However, I cannot recall if the instructions specified which to use at each junction. The one that keeps popping off is a silicone adapter which has that bubble shape in the middle. In other words, its not a straight silicone adapter. I hope I'm making sense. Perhaps I am using the wrong adapter for this junction. It seems to be appropriate since the pipe I am connecting it to is fixed to the base of the engine, and the U-pipe is slightly off in alignment. The bubble piece seems to accomodate the shift in between the 2 pipes segments. Any recommendations?

Perhaps to have a muffler shop open up the bend in the U pipe to better align the 2 pipes. Has Turbonetics changed anything with this? Has anyone expressed a concern about the alignment of pipes at this particular junction. If there was perhaps a longer piece of silicone connecting the 2 pipes, might that help?

ZMedic · Tweet this Post! #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 07:56 PM

Here is the only photo I could dig up:

Again,it's not the connector right on the intercooler end, but rather behind the intercooler, where the U-pipe turns behind the intercooler. That connector keeps popping off. The one at the bottom of the photo. That's the culprit. Every month or so. Any ideas?

Robert · Tweet this Post! #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMedic

Here is the only photo I could dig up:

Again,it's not the connector right on the intercooler end, but rather behind the intercooler, where the U-pipe turns behind the intercooler. That connector keeps popping off. The one at the bottom of the photo. That's the culprit. Every month or so. Any ideas?

I would loosen both clamps and make sure that they are completely over the beed roll on the piping...

ZMedic · Tweet this Post! #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:46 AM

Is it possible for Turbonetics to design a U-pipe that is perhaps 1 inch longer in overall length and 5 degrees more open (widening the U shape slightly) to facilitate bringing the two sections of pipe into better alignment?
I know it seems a bit extreme, but this is what I think would work best.
If not, than I would have to have a section of pipe made to fit.
I now know what you mean by bead. I failed to catch that the first time around. I truly don't think it will reach, which is probably why it keeps popping off.

Can you confirm if I am using the proper Silicone piece to join the rearward pipes?

Robert · Tweet this Post! #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMedic

Is it possible for Turbonetics to design a U-pipe that is perhaps 1 inch longer in overall length and 5 degrees more open (widening the U shape slightly) to facilitate bringing the two sections of pipe into better alignment?
I know it seems a bit extreme, but this is what I think would work best.
If not, than I would have to have a section of pipe made to fit.
I now know what you mean by bead. I failed to catch that the first time around. I truly don't think it will reach, which is probably why it keeps popping off.

Can you confirm if I am using the proper Silicone piece to join the rearward pipes?

Yes that is the correct piece to use. Honestly I never once had an issue with that pipe coming off. You may want to loosen all the clamps on that pipe and pull some excess off the intercooler side to give you more room on that rear pipe.

Robert · Tweet this Post! #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:52 AM

Dammit I wish you were in Cali. I would put your car in there air and just take care of it for you...

ZMedic · Tweet this Post! #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:53 AM

Does Turbonetics sell a longer piece of silicone connector, similar in shape, to accommodate this connection? Can you help me with a part #? Maybe even the piping diameter. If I had to guess, I would say 2 1/2 inch pipe.

This might be an alternative/additional way to fix the problem. (A little insurance) I will follow your recommendation though. Thanks.

Robert · Tweet this Post! #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMedic

Does Turbonetics sell a longer piece of silicone connector, similar in shape, to accommodate this connection? Can you help me with a part #? Maybe even the piping diameter. If I had to guess, I would say 2 1/2 inch pipe.

This might be an alternative/additional way to fix the problem. (A little insurance) I will follow your recommendation though. Thanks.

Let me see what I can dig up. Give me an hour or so. I have to run to a meeting...