1989 Other Subaru Models Leaking Y pipe

Tiny
JBOLAND07
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 SUBARU
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Alright a couple months ago I bottomed out on an old dirt road in my 89 subaru DL. Brillient huh? Well the result was a terrible exhaust noise. Simular to a large pickup truck. I took it to midas tro get an estimate and they went nuts. Explaining that the whole exhaust system should be replaced.(Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Gaskets etc.) Better yet they gave me an estimate for about 1200$. With a little research I realized the parts were not near as expensive as they listed. The 800$ catalytic converter lists at about 250-350$. I decided to get a second opinion. Earlier that year I had some work done at sears where the gaskets were required to be replaced, hoping it could be leaking from there I took it there with the faint hopes that I could get this fixed free of charge. No luck. Sears explained that the Y-Pipe was leaking. In the 89 DL model it seems as though the catalytic and the Y-Pipe are one piece. Carefully examining it I noticed that on this car the Y-Pipe was the only part of the exhaust that hasnt been replaced. Furthermore there are not any holes in the Y-Pipe that are in anyway obvious to me. The problem is the pipe is lined with a shell that I would imagine would make for a hell of a time getting off especially without a lift. DL models are very low to the ground. My theory is that the exhaust is leaking where the two pipes comeing from the engine connect to the catylitic converter. Im not fully sure what pipe is leaking if not both. I just want some general guidence on what prices I should expect, if it is at all possible to just patch the leak.(If I can get at it) and any other usefull info.

Thanks Jeremy
Saturday, December 22nd, 2007 AT 1:12 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Best to locate the leak first, these engines have a habit of breaking engine flange studs. (Where the engine pipe bolts to the heads) Jack up car and place on stands, start engine and from underneath use a length of hose, garden hose will do, use it as a stethoscope. Listen to all the joins, and you will soon hear the leak. Be careful of belts and pulleys while working underneath with the engine running.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, December 24th, 2007 AT 3:02 AM

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