suspected exhaust leak near manifold

[mek42]

I'd like to inspect the exhaust pipe where it connects to the manifold to investigate for leaks and replace the gasket on my 2000 Echo.

The manifold area looks hard to reach - is there some sort of heat / weather shielding that can be removed? If so, how would I go about doing this?

I am trying to fix a P0171 code (system lean, bank 1). So far I have replaced both oxygen sensors, the MAF sensor, air filter and spark plugs. There is a loudish gurgling noise when I am working the engine (accellerating or going up hills) but the idle noise is quiet.

After making these replacements I took it to the local Toyota dealer who said "the exhaust is wide open" and refused to be more specific when I asked where the leak was. I feel like I wasted $75 for the diagnostic service. They wanted to replace the entire exhaust and make fixes to the EVAP system due to codes thrown from a loose gas cap that went away shortly after taking it for the diagnostic.

Thanks!

[rwd_3tc]

well the exhaust leak your actually hearing is in between the exhaust manifold and front pipe. the part you would be replacing is the exhaust gasket or known as a donut. costs about 45-50 cdn. plus hardware (new bolts and spring)

[mek42]

I had the exhaust work done by a local shop. The manifold : exhaust pipe gasket was replaced and the exhaust pipe : muffler joint was repaired better than I was able to do so earlier.

I drove 75 miles after the repair waiting for the MIL to go off. I also periodically checked the freeze frame data during this drive. Said freeze frame data did not chenge as I drove. This led me to believe that the code (P0171, system lean) was not being thrown as a new condition. I then decided to erase the code. Is this a correct usage of freeze frame data? I really wish freeze frame data also gave an odometer reading as a means of tracking when the event happened.

I then drove 45 miles. The MIL did not reappear and all but the EVAP monitor became active / ready. This was sufficient to pass my state emissions inspection. However, P0171 still exists as a pending code. Do pending codes get erased when erase codes is used from a code reader or did I just get lucky for my inspection?

Thanks!