1977 exhaust leak

[ralph lackner]

I have a 1977 with 9,000 original miles. Other than stainless steel brakes the car has not been touched. I now have a small hole in the exhaust pipe that runs into the muffler and question whether I should replace the pipe and muffler or try and fix the hole. Every part and number on this car are original. I do not want to do something I will regret

[Joe L.]

Re: 1977 exhaust leak

ralph-----

It all depends what caused the hole. It's very possible (and, most likely) the problem is the "initial manifestation" of serious internal corrosion. The area which you described is, by far, the most likely area for this to occur. You can almost bet on it if the pipe/muffler you are talking about is the RIGHT side.

I would recommend probing the surrounding area with an "ice pick" or similar tool. This will tell you if the rest of the area is sound. I would probe aggressively; if you can push the ice pick through the metal at any point, there's no sense in trying to repair it.

If all checks out ok, you could try just having the hole welded at a muffler shop.

By the way, even though the car has low miles, exhaust system deterioration is more of a time-in-service related factor than it is a mileage factor. Once corrosion gets started, it will proceed inexorably. In fact, a little used car is a better candidate for exhaust system corrosion damage than one that's used frequently.

[Chuck R.]

Re: 1977 exhaust leak

Hi Ralph,

If it's a blow hole due to thinned out pipe wall, no repair will hold especially a weld.

The minute a torch flame touches the pipe, it will immediately enlarge hole big time and then you'll have a dime sized hole instead of a pin hole. Plus when the torches 1000+ degrees of heat touches the pipe, the surrounding pipe is weakened creating the next potential blow out location.

If the car only sees shows and the exhaust system doesn't see a ton of road time maybe you could try one of those Autozone type tubes of exhaust repair goop, but that stuff is designed for "quick fixes" and usually won't hold up to steady use.

I'm afraid the only solid recourse is to replace the pipe.

Chuck

Chuck