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#1
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Leaky Exhaust around 2 to 1 Cat...rusted bolts/nuts and flanges
The joints around my two front inlets on the 2 to 1 cat are leaking. I did some research on this site and purchased the exhaust donuts, bolts, springs, etc. needed to fix the leak. However, when I went to do the work this weekend I chickened out as the existing setup is very rusted. The flanges on the catalytic converter look strong enough but the flanges on the two forward pipes look like they would not last through the repair due to the amount of rust. The nuts on the bolts were basically knobs sticking out of the rusted pipe flanges and I did not know where to even start to remove them without breaking the flanges.
Does anyone have a fix for this situation short of new exhaust pipes? Can new flanges be installed on the old pipes? If I needed new pipes, what would the $$$ damage be approximately? Note I have already fixed the leak somewhat (noise is not bad right now but water leaks out of the joints upon startup) with some high temp epoxy (says up to 500 degrees) but I don't want to create a permanent, inflexible exhaust system and I know the epoxy will eventually fail. |
#2
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Cut the bolts off with a cutoff wheel or grinder!
Cheers, John |
#3
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I think if you break the forward flanges, any exhaust shop could repair them for cheap. I guess it depends upon if the flanges break, or if they tear away from the exhaust pipe leaving a gaping hole. I like the idea of cutting the bolts since you have new ones.
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Time for my very own long list of mods: 92 SVX LS-L - Ebony Pearl - 2002 WRX 5MT trans w/STi gearset (rebuilt & installed myself ) - BMW E46 HID retrofit - Kenwood Headunit - Phoenix Gold 75x4 RMS amp - Alpine Type R 6.5" front components - Alpine Type R 6x9 3way rear speakers - 18"x9" Rota G-Force wheels w/225/40ZR18 Toyo T1R's - Mychailo's custom springs - Urethane front & rear sway bar bushings - KC exhaust (2.5" dual magnaflow) - Escaine seat swap - Removed Spoiler I don't care if Subaru says it's STI...it will always be STi to me |
#4
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I had the exact same problerm on my 96. The flanges on both sides of the gasket rusted away and the gasket inbetween disintegrated. This let cold air into the system and set off my CEL light for the third O2 sensor.
I would cut the exhaust pipes just behind the front cats and run 2" O.D. aluminized exhaust pipe back to a Magnaflow hi-flow converter (Which has two 2" inlets and a single 2.5" outlet (This will connect to the rest of your stock exhaust system) Many members here (including myself) have gone this route. The Magnaflow converter is available from http://www.performancepeddler.com The cost is about $95.00, but you can email them your best offer (I got mine for a litle over $60.00 shipped to my door) http://www.performancepeddler.com/de...CT_ID=MAG94007 http://www.performancepeddler.com/se...94037&x=7&y=14 Since your SVX is a 92, it has only two O2 sensors, you can use the Magnaglow 94007. Or just get the 94037 and plug the sensor hole with a screw-in plug. Also check this thread: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ight=magnaflow .
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. Subaru Ambassador 1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995..... Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan In-Service Date: January 2, 1997 "The Pristine Green Polo Machine” First Polo Green on the Network First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000) First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007) First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013) HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler. R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016 2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback 2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles. Plenty of parts, service and windshields. 4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001 My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX . . |
#5
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I might have to do this, too, for my 94 LSi. Which magnaflow do I need? Also, sould I trust someone like Midas for a job like this?
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#6
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I had this same exact problem and bought some used pipes locally, but I was unable to unbolt the old ones because of rust on the manifolds! I just used a grinder and scraped off all the junk, replacing the gaskets and bolts. I already sold the two pipes or I'd help you out . If I were you I'd have them cut off the flanges and weld new ones on.
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Brian |
#7
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Quote:
Midas, and most major muffler chains don't like to mess with this stuff. Your best bet is an independent muffler shop. It will probably be cheaper as well. .
__________________
. Subaru Ambassador 1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995..... Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan In-Service Date: January 2, 1997 "The Pristine Green Polo Machine” First Polo Green on the Network First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000) First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007) First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013) HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler. R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016 2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback 2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles. Plenty of parts, service and windshields. 4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001 My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX . . |
#8
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What I did (the conclusion)
Just to wrap up the thread. I obtained the donuts and studs via subaruparts.com. A bit pricy but I knew they would fit and if the first ones lasted 136K miles, these should last until the end.
I took the car to Buckeye Muffler and they managed to salvage all the flanges (think they might have welded some reinforcements on some of the flanges but I have not had a chance to get a close up). They then swapped out the old parts and put in the new (reused the springs). Total cost at Buckeye Muffler was $30 and about an hour. So for the cost of the parts and $30 installation, I have a quiet SVX again!!! Now if I could just locate the true source of that oil leak.... |
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