1996 Toyota Avalon Exhaust

JERRYALEX

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My toyota avalon 1996 is making a sound and I have verified that it is my flex pipe on the exhaust that needs changing. I have found places in my area that sell the flex pipes along with clamps.
1. Would you consider this a reasonable solution?
2. Is there any thing I should watch for whilst performing this task?
3. My exhaust pipe is 2.5" (inch) diameter. Would a 2.25" (inch) be sufficient?
4. Besides do I need to apply some sealant or a heat proof tape at the joints when I perform this task?
5. Would this be an acceptable solution?

Also, My car since of late changes to the the drive only when the engine temperature reaches 55degrees centigrade. Can you tell me what may be wrong and and a solution to this problem?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Gerrard

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

You have to have the correct size pipe otherwise, it will not fit. Also, are you leaking exhaust or is it just the clamps that are ratteling? Finally, there are no heat sealants that work or should be used. As far as the size again, if the pipe is 2.5" that is what you need.

Please let me know if you have other questions. Also, if there is no exhaust leak and only a rattle, cut off the old clamps which will get rid of the rattle and the flex pipe is most likely fine.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 1:45 PM

JERRYALEX

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Joe,
My exhaust pipe that exits the engine ends with a catalystic converter (one piece). This one piece also includes the Flex pipe welded on. Since the flex pipe is the problem I want to cut this flex pipe off and insert with clamps a new flex pipe which must be a bit smaller in diameter than 2.5" (inches). So the next one down from this size is 2.25" (inches) diameter. The reason I have chosen this solution is because if I had to buy the whole piece it would cost me $1900 CDN plus labor.

So my question is: Would it be ok to fix the flex pipe of 2.25" (inches) to the 2.5" (inches) exhaust with clamps on either end as I do not want to have this welded on?
Do you see any problem or you prefer to suggest something else?

Joe, I asked you earlier about my Transmission not going in to drive until the engine temperature reached 55 degrees Centigrade. (Note: I changed the transmission oil). Do you know why or what may be the problem?

Thanks in advanve for your response,
Gerrard

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 4:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

My biggest concern is that you will not be able to crimp a 2 1/2 inch pipe to a 2 1/4 in pipe. There is too much space and it won't tighten enough. You need to know inside diameter (ID) ot the present exhaust that you are saving and get a flex pipe with the same outside diameter (OD) so they fit together snug. Then a clamp will tighten enough.

For example, if the old flex pipe is off, and the inside diameter if the existing pipe is 2 and a half inch ID, then you need a flex pipe with a 2 and a half inch OD to make it work.

Over the years I have seen many of the clamps come apart on the pipes but then don't leak. As a result, the customers continue going with them. If you have an exhaust leak, that is different.

As far as the trans, chances are the seals in the valve body and clutch packs are getting dry and allowing fluid to bypass them until it warms up. What I recommend is an additive designed to soften seals in the trans. That will usually help.

Let me know about the exhaust.

Joe

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 11:38 PM