Interesting and informative vid. Well done 👍 I hope Abarth are watching. The exhaust valve seems a bit under engineered, probably worked fine in prototype form and on the test car as it was exercised every time the vehicle was driven, here in suburbia it’s not so easy to max the car out all the time. It would be nice if someone came up with an electric actuator kit to replace the rather stone age ‘spring’, perhaps link the valve to Sport mode. I notice the BMW’s with electric actuation are set up to open and close the valve every time the car is fired up presumably to ensure the free operation of the flap/pivot and stop it seizing.
Here's a suggestion: the outer tips on either side are the ones that bypass the muffler. When the engine is running, especially after a cold start, check if there are any exhaust gases blown out of those. You can simply check that by holding your hand up against the opening. My car always has about the same pressure on the outer and inner pipes right after a cold start when the engine just idles. Since you own a gopro, you can also attach balloons or latex gloves to the outer tips and record those as you drive along. If they inflate, the valve is definitely opening to some extent at least. You can also check for soot inside the pipes. After a good year of use, the insides of both the outer and inner tips of my record monza on either side look pretty much the same. I reckon the outer ones would have to be a lot cleaner if no exhaust gases passed through them. However, both pipes are considerably cleaner on the right side of the car, which is probably because those pipes are longer.
My exhaust has same issue. Just notice few days ago, the exhaust note doesn't change no matter how hard I accelerate. I guess the valve stuck. I assume when it stucks, the exhaust remain in "closed mode" all the time. My car has done 7500km so far since May 16. I got record monza replaced under warranty since new. The last one has same issue, valve won't open. Dealer sent me a new one (old version, carbon steel one), the exhaust was ok at first though.
Certainly stuck in the closed position mate. Easy to fix though; just use plenty of WD40 spray and a rubber mallet and tap to free it up again (clockwise is open on the little pivot). I would then just loop the spring back on itself in the open position; no need to cable tie, no need to solder and fully reversible. It will 100% lock in place as the bolt/pivot is made from mild steel and rusts in no time. Or do what I have done and buy a better exhaust lol!
I use the same technic since 2 years. Over here in Germany they use lot of salt on wintertime, so I ain't drive at all. But on spring and Sommertime I use a WD-40 technic each month at least ones...
Maybe you could find the electromechanical actuator and check to see if it actually moves when you switch to sports mode. Check for electrical power, fuse, etc... You may have to use the actual 124 manual or check/call the Abarth site.
Thanks for video Marco! I hope my 595 (only 6 months) has a moving valve. I think monza exhaust 's sound does not change widely if valve is open or closed (the difference we hear is from cold and warm Engine /cat/ muffer only)
I haven't got round to doing it just yet, I plan on using some WD40 to free it up and see if there is any clear difference if not I may wire it open. I plan on making another video resolving the issue! coming soon...
Interesting and informative vid. Well done 👍
I hope Abarth are watching. The exhaust valve seems a bit under engineered, probably worked fine in prototype form and on the test car as it was exercised every time the vehicle was driven, here in suburbia it’s not so easy to max the car out all the time. It would be nice if someone came up with an electric actuator kit to replace the rather stone age ‘spring’, perhaps link the valve to Sport mode. I notice the BMW’s with electric actuation are set up to open and close the valve every time the car is fired up presumably to ensure the free operation of the flap/pivot and stop it seizing.
Here's a suggestion: the outer tips on either side are the ones that bypass the muffler. When the engine is running, especially after a cold start, check if there are any exhaust gases blown out of those. You can simply check that by holding your hand up against the opening. My car always has about the same pressure on the outer and inner pipes right after a cold start when the engine just idles.
Since you own a gopro, you can also attach balloons or latex gloves to the outer tips and record those as you drive along. If they inflate, the valve is definitely opening to some extent at least. You can also check for soot inside the pipes. After a good year of use, the insides of both the outer and inner tips of my record monza on either side look pretty much the same. I reckon the outer ones would have to be a lot cleaner if no exhaust gases passed through them. However, both pipes are considerably cleaner on the right side of the car, which is probably because those pipes are longer.
Andreas Krüpe thanks for the suggestions I’ll give it a try see what happens!
good idea! i was writing the same so Marco will try ;)
Marco...in your video "595 competizione - sound of beauty " .. time 0.05 you can see exhaust's smoke exits from the outer pipes ;)
My exhaust has same issue. Just notice few days ago, the exhaust note doesn't change no matter how hard I accelerate. I guess the valve stuck. I assume when it stucks, the exhaust remain in "closed mode" all the time. My car has done 7500km so far since May 16. I got record monza replaced under warranty since new. The last one has same issue, valve won't open. Dealer sent me a new one (old version, carbon steel one), the exhaust was ok at first though.
Certainly stuck in the closed position mate. Easy to fix though; just use plenty of WD40 spray and a rubber mallet and tap to free it up again (clockwise is open on the little pivot).
I would then just loop the spring back on itself in the open position; no need to cable tie, no need to solder and fully reversible. It will 100% lock in place as the bolt/pivot is made from mild steel and rusts in no time.
Or do what I have done and buy a better exhaust lol!
I use the same technic since 2 years. Over here in Germany they use lot of salt on wintertime, so I ain't drive at all. But on spring and Sommertime I use a WD-40 technic each month at least ones...
Maybe you could find the electromechanical actuator and check to see if it actually moves when you switch to sports mode. Check for electrical power, fuse, etc... You may have to use the actual 124 manual or check/call the Abarth site.
How connect this valve ? that is, the hose is connected to the valve but the other part of the hose to which part of the engine is connected?
I forgot to tell u , put lubricant wd40 grease around the valve . That prevents it from sticking. Lol.
Hey Mercedes, yeah I've literally just done that today! i've got another video coming on this soon!
Serve ha nulla
Thanks for video Marco! I hope my 595 (only 6 months) has a moving valve. I think monza exhaust 's sound does not change widely if valve is open or closed (the difference we hear is from cold and warm Engine /cat/ muffer only)
yes I think you are right
Hello Marco,
If I may ask, did you solve your problem with the exhaust?
You unlocked the valve?
I haven't got round to doing it just yet, I plan on using some WD40 to free it up and see if there is any clear difference if not I may wire it open. I plan on making another video resolving the issue! coming soon...
perfect! good luck...and compliments for your awesome car!