Chris Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Hey everyone, My driver side muffler has been rusting out the last few months, the hole getting bigger and bigger. I had made an appointment to get it replaced next Wednesday (under warranty), but yesterday while driving, the pipe leading to it gave out. The muffler was held on just by the two hangers and one of them was about to give out, so i cut the muffler off. Afterwards, I started it up and it sounded pretty bad (much worse than with just hole in muffler). The thing is, I drove it home hanging off with no problems, so i suspect it may get better as the engine warms up, but I'm not really sure. I am at university right now (new muffler is waiting at home) and will be heading home friday (~3hr drive). Is there anything I should do to the pipe for the drive home (maybe clamp something on or crush the end of the pipe to restrict flow?), or will the O2 sensors adjust to it once warmed up? Thanks a lot! Picture of tailpipe: http://www.freeimagehosting.net/76fe52b726.jpg -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL T Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 I would make sure the rest of the pipe is secure and just drive it home. The biggest problem will be avoiding getting a ticket for a loud muffler. I do not think it will cause drivability problems, if anything it might run a little better. Make sure that you do not get overcome with the fumes while sitting in traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Make sure that you do not get overcome with the fumes while sitting in traffic. Ditto that. If the tailpipe ends before exiting out the back of the car, try to keep good airflow through the cabin. Preferrably keep the windows open or halfway down, if the weather allows. CO poisioning is a killer, literally. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefank Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Jason, wouldn't it be better to keep the windows/sunroof closed, and letting the heater blower do it's work instead? Fresh air from the front will then be pushed through the car exiting at the air outlets. If you open windows/sunroof, this will create a vacuum in the cabin and suck air from everywhere, including exhaust fumes (see that hole in the spare wheel well of his car?). That's the same effect if you drive with trunk open. I would also try to have the pipe routed in a way that it doesn't blow against body parts. A three hours drive will generate quite a bit of heat! Perhaps use a down-bent universal tail pipe and clamp it on? Just an idea. Stefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 I don't like where that exhaust pipe ends with a 3 hour ride. Remember you have a 93, by now there are nooks and crannies that will allow fumes to leech into your car, wheel wells rust holes, shrunk caulking, etc. Ask Regis about the water leak in his 94, it was the wheel well. You are going to be dumping exhaust under your car. Be careful, stop at rest stops, let fresh air in, don't run your AC in recirculate if yours has it. If you can rig up an extension to take the outlet beyond the bumper all the better. Many auto parts shops sell short lengths of exhaust pipe, clamp it on to the broken end and wire it up good, use an adaptor if you have to, it won't cost much. Be careful you get it out far enough and away from plastic so you don't melt body plastic if any. Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 I do not think you'll get a lot of fumes while moving. Make frequent stops for some fresh air as BBF suggested and stop immediately if you feel giddy. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Stefan brings up a good point about the inversion affect at high speeds, you may SUCK fumes into the car with the window open, I would keep my AC/HEAT on providing fresh air with the windows closed.. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Unlike carbon monoxide exhaust smells, so you will know if you get some. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMWburner Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Rough call. I would assume that the whole point is to get fresh air into your lungs, not to blow whatever air this way or that way. Mike is right. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies under the back of the car to let gasses in under the back seat. I'd know, when I had to pull the wrecked 95' up an on ramp to get it out of traffic, the smashed exhaust system pumped visable fumes through the rear seat cusions. I'd blast the blower with the windows down a bit to create a "fresh air blow through" if you will. At highway speed you're cool with the windows cracked, but put the windows down at a stop light. So YOU can get some fresh air in your lungs. You're going to get exhaust in the car one way or another and you really can't suck it out by driving. Just my two cents. --Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDK Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Chris, A friend of mine had his Dad die recently due to driving for a number of hours with a small exhaust leak under the vehicle. I would not chance it. Can you bridge the gap where the muffler was, by clamping on some flexible tailpipe hose (a kind of flex-form aluminum that can be easily bent). It should last long enough to provide a safe, but noisy trip. Be careful on this one. Add power to leave problems behind. Most braking is just - poor planning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted February 26, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2006 Hi, thanks for all the replies! Although fumes were a consideration, I was more worried about the lack of backpressure. After my post, I took the car out on the highway and everything seemed to function alright so I left the pipe as it was. Drove home making 2 stops, with the climate control fan on low. Surprisingly, the car wasn't all that loud inside considering the lack of muffler, with a drone between 50 and 70 MPH. That being said, its been nice to drive the [quiet] truck for the last couple days now that I'm home. Cant wait for the new muffler on Monday. Thanks for all the responses! -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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