Anyone used V band exhaust clamps?

[corazon]

This type, used a lot in turbo applications..

I like the idea of gasket-less quick release exhausts clamps, I don't get on that well with the standard 3 bolt flange arrangement and would certainly like to upgrade when I get a full stainless setup
Jim

 

[sdibbers]

My saab has something similar. To be honest I think I prefer the 3 bolt flange on the Rover. It's easier to snug up the two parts in place. The V band works somewhat well, but you have to align everything perfectly. It seemed to shift when tightened for me. Maybe I'm just too clumsy for such things.

 

[DaveHerns]

It's like a modern take on the exhaust manifold clamp used on Minis etc and we all know how good they were ...

 

[corazon]

I don't know how good they were Dave!
Seriously these seem to get used in very high pressure applications such as turbo/supercharged and get a good rep in certain circles.
I was just wondering if anyone here had actually used them, no guesses please :wink:
Jim

 

[sowen]

I've worked on a few turbo'd aircraft with these fitted, and I've just fitted a similar type onto my Land Rover, the end of the turbo is tapered to allow a for little movement rather than flat as per the picture.

Never had a problem with them on the aircraft I've worked on, except the older ones where the gasket between the two flat faces eventually deteriorates and falls apart, and appears to be made of unobtanium

Presumably the ones you've looked at from the picture have a small seal hidden, or you use exhaust sealant between the two halves to guarantee a full exhaust tight seal. The rest of the exhaust needs to be precision made to fit, as there is next to no room for error in alignment, though a good quality flexible joint should be more than adequate near to the headers to allow some movement there.

 

[unstable load]

Like sowen says, they are quite common in aviation. The helicopter I am working on at the moment has them on
the starter-generator flanges, AC Generator flange, Fuel Control Unit attachment and engine compressor bleed valve.

They make life a lot easier for removal/assembly.