October 5, 200817 yr Morning folks: If you look at the attached pictures, I'm hoping you'll see the rather large chink/crack in the pipe...... I'm not a mechanic but have had much success with sharing my challenges with those on this board and *then* going to the mechanic. So, I am writing to ask for help before I go to the shop: What is that part? Photo taken under vert front of car, driver's side. Is this going to be a difficult and expensive repair, meaning more than $150? The crack results in a hole in the seam. Car made an exhaust-leak-like sound which is what led me to look under front of car, where I discovered this hole. The oil? Yeah, I've had several gaskets repaired and thought I was done with oil leaks. But, nope. The oil you see is, according to the repair guy, unfortunately from a head gasket. He shook his head and said "very, very expensive."
October 5, 200817 yr I believe you're looking at the heat shield around the exhaust. So nothing to worry about with that crack. The actual exhaust pipe is inside, and likely intact. However, I did notice it looks like you're missing one of the two bolts holding the exhaust to the head. That could be causing the exhaust leak/sound you're hearing. Oil leak from the headgasket? umm, not so much. Take a can of degreaser and clean the bottom of the engine. Then go out every few days and try to see where it's coming from. My bet would be the valve cover gasket. -Dave
October 5, 200817 yr ^ yup. check the oil pan also. make sure everything, oil pan, valve covers, exhaust bolts, are snug. nothing an open end wrench and a phillips can't fix. hopefully... and yes you are missing an exhaust bolt.
October 5, 200817 yr my suggestion is to spend the money you were going to spend on this "repair" on some tools(you can get a pretty cool craftsman set this time of year for 150 bucks) and a couple of repair manuals(haynes and " how to keep your subaru alive") instead of plugging a guys wallet.alot of mechanics are rather unfair to unknowledgable car owners. just my 2 cents cheers, brian
October 5, 200817 yr Yes, the first pic is of the heat shield. No worries there. There is an exhaust stud missing. Which will leak and cause your noise. Where are you located sunni? We may be able to recommend someone in your area.
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