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CWatsonJr
Dodge Dakota
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11/30/2004
13:29:02
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 Subject: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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2K1 CC 3.9L/V6 Just broke 100K miles.
I was driving home last night, cruising at about 70 when all of a sudden the sound of my engine drops down to a grumble and I lose acceleration power. I applied pressure to the gas pedal and it just got louder.
I pulled over to check out my gauges, nothing seemed wrong. No idiot lights, oil pressure - ok, engine temp - ok, everything seemed fine except for the low grumble and it was idling a little low (about 500 rpms). Checked for fluid leaks, none. Looked under the hood with a flashlight, couldn't see anything loose. The engine runs smooth - no change, just the sound and loss of power.
I was able to drive home okay (loudly). I noticed when I took my foot off the gas, the truck was silent... didn't even sound like it was running... I could hear a couple of faint clanking noises (like metal rattling) every now and then. After I got home and shut it off, I started it back up again.. right on the button it started... didn't seem any different, except for the sound.
I haven't been home during the daylight hours to be able to crawl under there to see if I can determine what went wrong. Hopefully I will get the chance on Thursday (I carpool, so I can get to and from work just fine).
Any thoughts that it could be anything other than my exhaust?
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Steve G
Dodge Dakota
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11/30/2004
22:00:05
|  RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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I had the same problem on my 1999. It turned out to be the cat went bad. I replaced it and its been running like new ever since.
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DaknBlk
GenIII
12/01/2004
10:35:40
| RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
I'll agree w/ Steve. Sounds like a bad cat. Reach under your truck and smack the cat with your hand (cat should be just below where the front passenger seat is). If you hear the cat rattle when you do this, the cat's shot. I'm no expert, but I believe that the rattle sound is loose, broken pieces of the ceramic element that's inside the cat. Good cat shouldn't rattle.
BTW, you're probably aware of this, but don't hit the cat w/ your hand if you have the engine running! The cat gets vert HOT!!!!
Wait for it to cool off. And you don't have to hit it with anything solid, just your hand is enought of make it rattle if it's broke.
Of course, you may hear the rattle when the engine's running (as the vibration make shake the loose bits around enought to hear it) but the best test is to just smack it.
Hope this helps!
Actually, I just like to say "smack your cat" a lot ;)
John
03cc w/ 3.9 V6
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CWatsonJr
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2004
15:32:19
|  RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
YOW...
Thanks Steve and John!
I have been looking for one on the web (autozone, etc.) and not being very successful at it.
I called the dealer and they can order it but they want $800 for it. YIKES!
I hope... just hope my cat isn't bad when I "slap" it!
Cliff
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DaknBlk
GenIII
12/01/2004
23:46:56
| RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
$800? Holy crap!
Can't remember what the emissions warranty is supposed to be. I'm thinking 8 years/ 80k but not sure. I see you're just past 100k, but might want to check it out anyway.
John
03cc w/ 3.9 V6
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ask
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/02/2004
11:27:08
| RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
Carsound high flow
sold at truckperformance.com for around $80
they are a slip fit
Just buy 2 clamps cut the old 1 out leaving 3"
1 1/2 each end for the slip fit from overall
length of new converte
Cut slip 1 1/2 into the ends clamp and go
The catco's require welding
Quickest and esiest way to go
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CWatsonJr
Dodge Dakota
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12/02/2004
13:38:02
|  RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
Well - it turns out my exhaust pipe was cracked about 3 inches or so (just in front of the brace) before the cat. The pipe cracked all the way around - like a brittle crack.
I took it to a muffler shop in Oxnard (Kenz Mufflers) and when he made the cut behind the cat, the whole thing just came off.
Thank goodness the cat is fine. He said in California they have to use the OBD2 cats (or something like that) and he confirmed the $800 price.
Anyway - he made a sleeve and welded everything back together and it is as good as new.
Whew...
Thanks for the info and help.
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CWatsonJr
Dodge Dakota
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12/02/2004
13:40:43
| RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
Oh - I forgot to add.
The guys there said they have never seen a crack like this before. They said usually when a pipe cracks it is because of bad motor mounts - making the pipe move & shake around too much.
They checked my mounts and said everything was fine. It is a mystery why it cracked.
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another mark
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2004
05:36:03
| RE: I think my exhaust pipes came loose
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Message:
dude why would you buy one from the dealer when your factory
cat is no good? even if it was only $75 i wouldn't buy another
bad dealer part
carsound is what i use when mine failed after 3 years
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