Split Flange Exhaust leak, best way to fix? (Previously: Check Engine Light just came on randomly?)

haha no I wish. We have engineering testing labs with all the good tools, may have to look into it. Yea I might go get a blow torch

 

yeah talk to the engineering teacher and see if hes willing to flatten the flange while using it as an example of automotive engineering. just remember to buy 2 gaskets to replace.

 

If your throwing 420 I would fix flange, clean maf, and replace plugs and wires if they are old. At least pull an easy to get to plug and check it. Then O2 sensors. If the O2 doesn't fix it either new cat or URD O2 sim...

 

And the gaskets are generally fat, based on your pic you may be able to clean it with a wire brush slap a bead of heat resistant RTV on both sides and put the new factory gasket it. Mine are way worse I did a bit of grinding to clean them and they hold pressure fine.

If it's leaking it's not due to the splitting I would bet that gasket is wasted as they fail easy. the sealing surface is likely flat and it's just the bottom rotting away.

 

Yeah I wanted to replace the plugs soon anyways. I replaced the cat back muffler about 3 years ago, I dont know if thats enough time for the gasket to fail?

 

Iv had mine since 09 iv done them several times.

 

Hey Guys, So I fixed the exhaust flange with a new gasket and bolts. The old gasket disintegrated as soon as I got the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter apart. My question is, how long will it take for the CEL to reset?

 

go to a grocery store a city or 2 away and grab some beer then go back home. should be good.

 

It takes a certain cycle of driving to run all the proper tests easiest way is to reset the code with a reader or unplug the battery for a certain time. Then drive around for awhile it it never comes back your good.