Questions about Exhaust systems, Catalytic Converters and Headers/Manifolds
10
votes
3answers
10k views
What is the best way to remove a stuck/rusted exhaust bolt?
I'm trying to disassemble the exhaust system on a 2000-2003 nissan maxima and I'm having trouble removing one last bolt.. its got a 14mm head and its just plain STUCK. I've tried soaking it overnight ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
When car is standing still, I smell Diesel exhaust. Why?
In my 2003 Opel Vectra, the cabin air smells of Diesel exhaust while stopped at e.g. a red light.
The exhaust smell goes away when driving, and it also doesn't come back if I turn the ventilation off ...
7
votes
1answer
659 views
Is this what is making my car sound like a racecar?
Recently, my car (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis) started sounding like a racecar: the engine became very loud. There's clearly something going wrong with the exhaust system. I'm trying to understand ...
6
votes
3answers
631 views
How effective are exhaust patch kits?
How effective are exhaust patch kits in terms of longevity and limiting noise and leakage?
Specifically I'm looking at using the kind that consist of heat-activated tape, an aluminium sheet and two ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What are the tell tale signs of a catalytic converter that might be going bad?
I've owned two vehicles whose catalytic converters were recalled due two a couple of reasons: one being the quality of the CC and the other being a reduction in power due to a material building up and ...
5
votes
2answers
99 views
should I replace gaskets when replacing exhaust?
I need to replace a broken section of exhaust. Should I replace the gaskets also? one of the gaskets is directly between the engine and the new part. The other is between the new and an old part of ...
5
votes
2answers
234 views
Muffler off car. Safe to drive with exhaust open underneath?
So leaving work yesterday I heard a clang! - the muffler simply fell off. Further inspection revealed a lot of rust in one particular area on the pipe. Thankfully the forward muffler is still intact ...
5
votes
3answers
834 views
Sputtering while driving & idling
[My car: 2004 Mazda 3]
So, my wife came home from running some errands and told me the check-engine light was on and that the car was sputtering and felt like it was going to stall while stopped at ...
4
votes
2answers
195 views
Performance Exhaust — what, how, why?
I've seen performance exhaust pipes on sale for cars and motorcycles, and my questions are these:
What does it do? (better performance [and how so?]? better mileage? cooler sounds?) Is/how is it ...
4
votes
1answer
201 views
Biodiesel and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
I read a little about DPFs and biodiesel. Some claim that there's a reduction in lubricity and/or viscosity of engine oil when using B30 or above. They warn about increased engine wear because of it. ...
3
votes
3answers
7k views
Why am I smelling exhaust inside the cabin of my car?
When I drive my car the first few miles, I smell exhaust inside the car with the windows rolled up. It happens when I have either the AC or the heat/air on...
What's going on?
3
votes
3answers
208 views
How much of the exhaust is the “cat-back”
My brother-in-law's car has just failed inspection. One of the items listed was a "cat-back." Since the bill is astronomical, I was wondering how much of the exhaust system is encompassed in this term ...
3
votes
1answer
71 views
Exhaust smell emanating from old car?
I drive an '97 Subaru Legacy. Far as I know, it still works perfectly.
Lately, there's been a bad exhaust smell around the car when I park and get out. I can smell it inside the car on occasion, but ...
3
votes
1answer
230 views
White smoke from tail pipe on operating temp start
I have a 89 Buick Century Custom. On the first start of the day, I have no problem. No smoke and no difficulty starting. However, after the car warms up, say, after driving to a gas station the ...
3
votes
1answer
677 views
Can header / exhaust insulation replace metal heat shields?
Following up on my saga: What could be causing a distinct exhaust drone in a tight band around 3250 rpms on a 2004 Subaru WRX?
At the end of that quest, we concluded that the right hand exhaust ...
3
votes
1answer
855 views
Is it possible to use biodiesel in a BMW 335d if I remove the DPF and remap the ECU?
The new (2009-current) BMW 335d sells in the U.S. with a DPF to reduce emissions, but which prevents the use of biodiesel. I've read about people removing the DPF and re-mapping their ECU to get ...
3
votes
1answer
665 views
Car Stalls When Coming to a Stop
Make: Chevy
Model: Cavalier (4 cyl.) Automatic
Year: 1993
Miles: 230K
Normally my Cavalier drives just fine without problems. However, if I drive for 45+ minutes then it will sputter and stall out ...
3
votes
1answer
128 views
VW Golf 2.0 SDI (2005) - smokey when pulling away
Over the last 12 months I have noticed that as I pull away and put my foot down a little more, there is often a bit more of a cloud of smoke left behind. Its not thick smoke but still it seems like ...
3
votes
1answer
105 views
Motorcycles: Way to maintain shiny chrome on exhaust outlets?
I have a motorcycle that has chromed exhaust pipes. I am worried that there will eventually be discolouration where the pipes join the engine, due to the heat. Is there a way to treat the pipes so ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
Blue-ish smoke coming out from the exhaust
I have a VW Golf mk4, 1.9 TDI from 2001 with 230.000+ km on board and for some time now I have blue smoke coming out of the exhaust.
The problem aggravates when I'm stuck in traffic or when the ...
2
votes
3answers
4k views
Rattle on Ford Focus, suspect heat shield
Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia '99 V
A little while ago a large section of the aluminium heat shield above my exhaust came loose. Being in a situation where I needed to keep going and without tools, I crawled ...
2
votes
1answer
41 views
2000 VW Golf TDi (Mk. 4) grey smoke from exhaust before engine has warmed up
I have had my Golf for 8 years. It’s had good maintenance and a the record is kept by my dad. It’s just passed its MOT (Ministry of Transportation) test, and the mechanic mentioned that the tappets ...
2
votes
1answer
235 views
What causes the “pop” and “burble” noises on overrun?
I love the sound, just wondering what causes it.
2
votes
1answer
112 views
How should I diagnose an exhaust “howl” when descending through 3200 rpms?
As mentioned previously, I have a 2004 WRX wagon with a stainless Prodrive circular-tip axle back installed around 2006. Lately, the weather has been nice enough to drive with the windows open and ...
2
votes
1answer
124 views
Attaching poorly-fitting exhaust components without welding?
I recently replaced my muffler, and attached it to the existing pipe using clamps around a short coupler pipe (sorry, I don't know the right name for these things) that fits around the outside the the ...
2
votes
1answer
192 views
Why is my exhaust pipe so rusty?
I think all cars exhaust pipes get very rusty after not very long. Why is that?
I know that the pipe gets extremely hot, but how come that makes it rust more than any other part of the car?
2
votes
1answer
262 views
High short term fuel trim on one side when starting car?
2003 Ford Crown Victoria
V8 Engine
Dual exhaust
2 cats & O2 sensors per side
Since some time last year I've been getting an error code throw up, with seemingly no regularity:
P2197 - O2 stuck ...
2
votes
1answer
318 views
Why does the price of Catalytic Converters vary so much?
My check engine light came on and the diagnostic code says it is a problem with the catalytic converters so I'm getting ready to schedule an appointment with a mechanic to take care of that.
The ...
2
votes
2answers
188 views
Muffler inlet corrosion problem
My 2001 Honda Civic needs a new muffler every two (2) years or so, because the inlet pipe corrodes just after the union. Is this a common problem, or would installing a better quality muffler prevent ...
1
vote
1answer
44 views
What is this exhaust type thing?
What is this black exhaust type thing coming off the side of this land cruiser?
What is it for?
1
vote
5answers
498 views
How to determine by ear which part of exhaust needs replacing?
I have a 1.3L Skoda Felicia, (carburetter engine without catalytic nor other gimmicks). Since past 1-2 months I would hear the exhaust sound has changed, it became more and more audible and at full ...
1
vote
2answers
315 views
Why would gasoline engine exhaust smell like perfume?
Quite often I encounter a vehicle that has exhaust with rather sharp smell similar to perfume. As far as I know this is attributed to the engine malfunctioning - normally working engine will exhaust ...
1
vote
1answer
276 views
What could be causing a distinct exhaust drone in a tight band around 3250 rpms on a 2004 Subaru WRX?
EDIT: Additional information provided by LovelyWife(TM) - listening outside the car, she has proclaimed that the rattle / buzz / drone / resonance is coming from the front of the car and sounds like ...
1
vote
1answer
253 views
Are there any alternatives to the OEM muffler for a Volvo XC90?
I've been looking for an alternative to the OEM muffler for a Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD.
There are a number of other Volvo vehicles that use the same drivetrain, but not one of the national muffler shops ...
1
vote
2answers
32 views
Remove rounded manifold bolt
I'm trying to take off the manifold bolts on an old Chevy 350 (the ones that connect the manifold to the header). I got 4 out of the 6 bolts out, but 2 are extremely struck and rounded due to all the ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
2001 Audi A4 just got really loud
Alright, So I'm driving to work. I'm stopped at the red light to go on the freeway. It turns green so I accelerate. I'm accelerating more than I would on a regular street but I didn't floor it. ...
0
votes
2answers
160 views
Exhaust Flame Kit
I have been searching over the past week or so trying to educate myself as much as possible before going ahead and trying to build an exhaust flame kit from scratch (the ones on sale on the internet ...
0
votes
1answer
256 views
What's the purpose of the cover on the catalytic converter?
On my 1990 Honda, it's falling apart. I'd like to just rip it off; will that cause any problems? More specifically: will the car pass New York state inspection with a missing cover?
0
votes
1answer
44 views
straight pipes and carb rejetting?
I have a 1984 Honda GL 1200 standard wing, I am going to put straight pipes on it, however some forums say I will need to upjet the carbs, and others say I will not. Has anyone on this site ever put ...
0
votes
0answers
57 views
Non-Audi driver here - Need info/resources re: Audi RS4 Exhaust [closed]
I'm trying to sell an exhaust system for the wife of a friend who has passed away. It's been sitting in the garage and needs to go.
I know little to nothing about Audis, so bear with me.
It's a ...
