Exhaust Repair

[dads2vette]

I don't post to this site to often but I have received lots of good info on all the great quircks that plague my 1997 Mountaineer. With your great advice I have been able to rebuild most of the front end and rear axle. Thanks for that.

I have another question. I have an exhaust leak on the passenger side before or at the cat. Can you tell me why....just kidding. Actually, what I need to now is how difficult is it to reach the bolts, remove the exhaust, repair the leak and reinstall. I am pretty good around a tool box so I have the abilities to do the work. What I don't have is the cash because the second problem, a back injury that limits me from 1. staying under the truck for any length of time 2. putting money into a new exhaust. Been without a paycheck for about 18 months now...woohoo.

If there are any links to this job, I haven't found them yet.

Thanks for your input,
Dave

 

[RomeovilleIL]

You are in luck because it is cold outside. If you can lay on the ground to get a good look at the exhaust with strong light you should be able to see where the exhaust gases are leaking.

Most likely it won't be the y-pipe itself. First suspect in that area without any additional information would be this:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322712

Other common issue is the gasket downstream bewteen the muffler and the cats. Finding the correct replacement gasket for some unknown reason is a pain at local part houses. The bottom bolts are not a problem, top ones have limited room to manuever around the center support and generally are rusted in pretty good. WD40 and some heat will be your friends here if that the issue.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

BTW - if it turns out to be the 2-bolt flange, cutting off the old bolts and the rusty flanges will save you a lot of greif. Hack saw isnt bad, bolt cutter works wonders as will a sawzall.

Two of these and two new bolts (springs not required) at Autozone will get it done for about $15. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...it-flange/_/N-25vz?itemIdentifier=110784_0_0_