Major Engine Work... Impressions (Finally)

**pajeff02** · 03-11-2016, 03:12 AM

If I recall, the roto-joints have an adjustment that allows you to tighten them so there is less "slop", hence less noise.

**Naaman** · 03-11-2016, 06:59 AM

According to Ramey in 2012, over on the other forum, he says that a properly installed roto-joint should make no noise at all...

Others on the forum claim that rotos make "unbearable" noise.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 03-12-2016, 03:40 AM

Don't hear any noise on mine.

**Naaman** · 03-12-2016, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

The exhaust is real close to the underbody where it passes over the rear axle. That would be the first place to look for a noise. Easy test is to grab the tailpipe and wiggle the entire exhaust system to see if it makes noise.

Without lifting the car, I tugged on the exhaust pipe and the rattle seems to be coming from the muffler itself. I can make the rattle by tapping on the muffler with my hand. Jouncing the rear does not replicate the sound. I'm assuming it is coming from within the muffler. When I close the trunk, the rattle can be heard, and it is intermittent while idling. It seems to go away after some driving and comes back after sitting for a while... I think...

The parts should be here on Tues, so hopefully it will be early enough that I can get them installed before it gets dark....

**pajeff02** · 03-13-2016, 03:50 PM

Sounds like a baffle broke free inside the case. It happens.

**Naaman** · 03-13-2016, 05:48 PM

Ah! Makes sense!

Do you think a muffler shop can cut it open and get rid of the baffle and then weld it back up?

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-13-2016, 07:44 PM

Most shops will say no because they don't want to lose their license.

**Naaman** · 03-14-2016, 04:06 AM

Must be an emissions control tampering thing?

**35th-ANV-SS** · 03-14-2016, 06:05 AM

Correct. It's illegal, just like most headers are because they relocate the catalytic converters. Or, having no catalytic converters. If a shop agrees to do this type of thing, I'd personally not use the shop.

**Naaman** · 03-14-2016, 05:08 PM

I see. Didn't know it was such an issue. So I guess I just have to add a cat-back to the list...

**douglowden116** · 03-14-2016, 06:51 PM

In PA anything behind the cats except for the rear o2 sensor is only regulated by the safety insp. the emissions laws don't care what you do to the muffler . If you were cutting the cat open the emissions laws would apply and you could face a large fine . Don't know why anyone's emission laws would have anything to do with mufflers . The emissions program is run by the federal government so you would think the laws would be pretty close state to state .

**35th-ANV-SS** · 03-14-2016, 06:56 PM

Now that I think about it more, that sounds right about the mufflers. I'd need to double-check now.

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-15-2016, 07:18 AM

It varies from state to state.

IMHO AL doesn't give a F%^k, no state inspections

**Naaman** · 03-17-2016, 09:09 PM

I got under the car today and replaced the exhaust hanger. I noticed that one of the hangers further forward is broken at the weld onto the pipe leading into the muffler. I pulled that piece off the under-body and that seems to have corrected the intermittent squeaking I was hearing during idle.

There is a hole in the exhaust pipe where the weld broke, however. I'm thinking of using JB Weld High Heat to cover it up. It's about the size of a nickle.

Thoughts on doing this as a temp solution? When I saw it, I remembered that it had been like that for some time (not sure how long exactly). The exhaust does not droop or hang or swing, so I don't think it's a problem in that regard. I'm hoping to just replace the cat-back after a little while, which I may push up higher on the priority list, now that I've been under there and seen the full extent of things.

Attachment 26564

**pajeff02** · 03-18-2016, 03:16 AM

Can you bond in a small piece of metal over top of the hole rather than just using the JB Weld?

**Naaman** · 03-18-2016, 07:12 AM

Sounds like a better idea. Are you thinking using the epoxy like a glue to hold it in place?

**0rion** · 03-18-2016, 03:25 PM

is there room to just cut out a small section and replace just the section with the hole? Most part stores carry 2-3" double expanded couplers you could just pop into place there with a couple of clamps.

**Naaman** · 03-18-2016, 03:37 PM

I might be able to do that, though it would require buying tools... and possibly a new jack (my floor jack doesn't fit under the car). I was thinking about wrapping a band around it and trying to clamp it down, but not sure if I could pull that off.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 03-18-2016, 03:39 PM

Just pull your car up onto 2x4's...jack should fit then.

**Naaman** · 03-18-2016, 04:23 PM

I used my ramps yesterday. They gave enough height to slide under and do the hanger.

I ended up using a garden tool to cut the failing one off, and the new one popped right on. Incidentally, the part I ordered from Amazon was too big (ID had too loose of a fit for the prong). So I took the off-going part to O'Reilly's and got the one that fits.

I was pleasantly surprised that the job was exactly as simple as it appeared to be.