I have a 1995 Ford Taurus. The exhaust pipe, at the "Y", is split open but the rest of the pipe is fine. I've been told the only way to fix it is to replace the whole pipe (it's one unit) which includes the cat. convertor! It's over $800 to do that. Considering this is an 11 year old car w/ 160k miles on it, I don't want to invest that kind of money. Is there some short term fix for this problem? Something that will last another year or two? Seems a simple weld bead would do - but I can't find anyone to do it.

Steven, October 2005

No solution I'm afraid but try Dagenham Motors Ford leading dealer group on 08700 553115 and either ask for advice or Ford technical service phone number, you could even ask them to price the job or even grab one of their mechanics and ask their advice. I'm sure that it can be done without a complete exhaust.
to give and example con
I was told by a well known exhaust company fitter the same with my Sierra 'Can't repair it it's an all in one system' but I knew better so let them do it asked for the exhaust they took off making out I was going to use the exhaust in my garage so I could run the engine with the door closed. Told the exhaust company head office what happened and that I know I was conned into having a complete unit and they said 'it must have been bad for the fitter to suggest a new system'. I said no he didn't even check the exhaust he came straight to me once it was on the ramp. I have it here and had it checked by an AA mechanic. I got all my money back.

Bob

Bob, October 2005