I've got a pretty bad exhaust leak on my '90 Legacy - it's near the front, at the joint in the exhaust which contains a gasket, just behind the rear of the transmission. Though the exhaust system is somewhat rusted, I had assumed it would be a fairly simple matter to simply free up the nuts and replace the gasket. The service manager at my dealer (a new person who may not know what they're talking about) said that because of the rust there was a good chance they would bust the various mounts and hangers when they tried to fix it and I would have to buy a whole new exhaust system.

 

Is there any sort of sealant goop which I could use to fix the leak? As far as I can tell, there's not actually a hole in the pipe, just air leaking around the gasket.

 

Zack

1990 Legacy AWD auto wagon, 158,000 miles

That guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

 

Basically, all they would need to do is cut the bolts off with a torch or grinder. If they can't get enough room to replace the doughnut gasket, they can remove the bolts that hold the mid pipe to the muffler section, or cut them off. They can then remove the mid pipe to get enough room to put the gaskets in.

 

All you would need new is the bolts that they cut off.

My advice would be to consult an independent exhaust shop for a (honest) second opinion and prolly would get you in and out quickly.

He'd obviosly never heard of any type of penetrant like Bolt Off or Rost Off. Spay that Stuff on there leave for a bit (10 - 15 min) and they should be free not perfect be removable with out snaping bolts.