Exhaust Leak

[Anonymous]

I've got a '93 Camry 5s-fe with the auto. Lately I've noticed the engine is a lot louder than usual. I think the problem is a hole in either the exhaust, but its coming from close to the engine bay, near the right side (exhaust manifold maybe? I'm not a car DIY'er, so please bear with me). Now, if its a hole in the exhaust piping, should I replace the entire system or just the piping? I'm thinking of an entire catback system or just a muffler, but curious as to opinions on which are the best. NOTE: I'm not looking for the Honda farting exhausts, but rather something thats less restrictive and maybe sounds deeper (yeah, I know it ain't a V8, but it doesn't need to sound like a f-in' woodchipper either). Any ideas?

Also, should I just replace/repair the problem and save the cash? its a '93, and I don't know how long I'm gonna have it. (Sorry, RIPPModds, thats the only reason I'm holding off on squirting 3.5G's on your S/C for now).

Any help would be appreciated.

PS - anyone from the MD area?

[Colorado]

You probably have a leak in the flex tube. It is a flexible part of the exhaust before the cat that allows for some engine movement. It is right below the engine. Before driving the car for the day start it up and run your hand around the exhaust. You should feel air movement around where the leak is. Be careful because it will heat up quickly and the flex tube can fray leaving needle like wires that will cut you. My mechanic told me I had to buy the whole part at US$200. When I took it to the exhaust shop to put it on they said they could weld in a new flex tube for about US$100. I opted to just replace the part since it was slightly damaged from a front end collision anyway. I would stop by an independant exhaust shop and have them take a look at it. A cat back will not fix this problem as it is most likely pre-cat if you hear it in the engine bay. Also check your engine mounts as this is often a culprate if your engine is moving too much for the flex tube to handle.

[vtboomamj]

This forum helped me diagnose my car challenge so I thought I'd help others out and post some additional information.

Link to video of flex tube / flex pipe location:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...37909986276562

When the car is started please observe the white smoke that is originating from the flex tube / flex pipe

Also, if the video gives you an error, just refresh the screen and it will play.

Link to JPG with exhaust diagram to help locate the flex tube / flex pipe (circled in yellow)

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...48195601002706



If for some reason the links don't work in the future please private message (PM) me on and I'll do my best to fix the broken links.