Repeated exhaust leaks in 98 tacoma

Hi,

I have a 1998 Tacoma, 3.7L 4 cylinder, pre-runner that seems to keep blowing holes in the exhaust any time there is stress put on the system. The gasket in front of the cat blew after driving with a decent load. The front manifold acquired a crack after driving 400 miles with a heavy load. After fixing the front manifold, it seems to have cracked again after trying to keep the truck running above 45mph into a 25mph wind.

The previous owner had it in Florida where there is no inspection and had removed the catalytic converter, so the truck was running without a cat for who knows how long.

It does not seem like the exhaust should be blowing holes this easily and am wondering what can be done about it. I can keep taking it in to fix the gaps every time it happens, but am wondering if there is a better long term fix.

Could the whole exhaust system be out of whack due to the cat being absent for some time??

Looking for any suggestions. Thanks.

 

I can't help but wonder if there is a blockage. Is there a reasonable breeeze out the tailpipe at idle?


I sort of wonder if the cat broke and lost some pieces into the muffler.

 

The exhaust system is supported so your not getting excess vibration .

If the manifold cracked sounds like things are not supported .

Using the correct gaskets ?? they are not all the same the wrong one will fail in a short time

Is the system cobbled together with different manufactures parts ?

 

Yes, there is still a reasonable breeze out of the tail pipe at idle.

 

Interesting. I will look into the support of the exhaust parts.

I did not do the work myself so I am not sure the gaskets are the correct gaskets. I am assuming they are...

And, yes, I believe the system is cobbled together with different manufacturer parts... again, did not do it myself. I had a local shop do it and think it is quite possible the parts are not consistent.

 

I have the truck out in Seattle right now (drove it from Pittsburgh, PA). Anybody have a recommendation for somewhere I can take it to have this resolved? Is this worth taking to the dealer??

Thanks for your responses, guys.

 

the 2.7 isnt a powerhouse of a motor... I think you might be asking too much of it with a load and trying to maintain freeway speeds. Extended 3/4 throtle and up has a tendency to heat things up.