[jmaiella]

I crushed my tailpipe on a rock, and opened it most of the way back up (still a little dented up top, and crinkled around the edges). I also went through some decent mud and even a little water. Performance seems the same - gauges (temp & RPMs) seem normal, too. It just sounds like I added an aftermarket exhaust! Real throaty, and it rumbles pretty loud when I give it the gas.

Is this explained by the tailpipe, with no ill-effects to the FJ? Or, is there a bigger problem? Is it not related to the exhaust at all (if water got somewhere it shouldn't have)? One of the guys on the trail with me spent a good deal more time in the water, and got some in his trans... but it didn't sound like this.

Any ideas? I don't mind the extra decibels, but if it's indicative of another problem, I'd like to know.

Thanks!

 

[jmaiella]

If you impacted the exhaust, it may have opened up a leak upstream. I'd start it up and slide under there on a creeper; having it in park and parking brake on of course. You should be able to hear where the leak is, in a general sense, or even see it. A muffler shop would do it for you.. Doesn't sound like a water issue to me. Ron

Thanks, Ron! I called my old man, and he said roughly the same thing. Is it something that absolutely needs to be fixed? I don't mind the sound if there's no ill-effects.

If it does need to be fixed, is it generally an easy fix? I know I'm asking for a lot of diagnosis without much info, but this way I don't get screwed by a muffler shop I don't know...

 

[jmaiella]

Thanks - you guys are a big help! I guess when I get home this afternoon, I'll crawl underneath and see what I can find. ~Joe

 

[jmaiella]

Here is the thread I had up at the time. With pics! Hope this helps.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/misc-technical-discussion/40753-need-help-normal.html

Well... I'm wearing work clothes, so I couldn't really get under the truck, but did pop a squat, and the tailpipe is indeed touching the insulation. It looks exactly like your picture (except more mud and a dent in the pipe instead of the muffler).

So, I'm hoping that's all it is! After work I'll change and roll under there and see if I can't get it back into place.

Thanks, Flying Brick!

~Joe

 

[jmaiella]

A shot from Saturday...

I mostly bent it back out (used pliers and then a Hi-Lift handle).

 

[jmaiella]

FIXED!

Brick hit the nail on the head - 12 seconds under there, a pull and twist, and the rubber hanger rolled right over. There's now a good gap between the pipe and the top there, and it sounds completely normal.

12 seconds, $0.00 and peace of mind. :bigthumb:

Thanks, guys!


BTW - if you're ever in the DC area, I'll buy you a beer!