Muffler Time

[1999montana]

I know what you're thinking...get rid of it...but heck, even if it cost $2,000 a year to keep it fixed, it would still be cheaper than a new one.... except for all those cash backs one can get on a new one I suppose.

Two weeks ago the muffler started to show signs of giving up. The hole appears to be up on top near the heat shield. Can't find it when the exhaust system is cold with the engine running and hand placed along the upper part of the muffler, but I think this is where it is coming from.

Anyone experienced a replacement yet?

I was studying the muffler and wondered if a 55 Chevy muffler (Walker 21314) might fit; - about the same length, and the ends just might mate to the existing pipes. I could say good bye to the rotting joint immediately behind the cat and join a new piece of pipe in.

Might make an interesting project.

['97ventureowner]

My '97 had starting signs of needing replacement back in 2005, so yours seems to be "right on track"(if there is such a thing.) Exhaust systems seem to last longer now than they did just 10 to 15 years ago. I took it to a muffler shop and they wanted a ridiculous price to repair, (actually replace the whole system from the cat back as they said it 'was the best'.) The best for who them or my wallet? I had a fellow mechanic take a look at it who had more experience and better welding equipment than I did and all he dais he did was replace a hanger before the muffler which had failed causing the pipe going into the muffler to separate somewhat. Fixing the hanger seemed to solve the issue and it lasted me through the time i sold the vehicle in 2007. Best advice would be to get at least 2 estimates for repair, (I got 3 and the difference was a staggering $300 between highest and lowest.)They can run on the high side to replace but sometimes it's a fairly inexpensive fix, and a good shop should be able to do it without taking you to the cleaners, as I stated before, these exhaust systems seem to have a good track record at longevity,(even where I live in the Rust Belt, where salt can do a lot of damage to our vehicles.)

[1999montana]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for the reply.

Actually, the muffler has this European sound to it right now. The seam must close up a bit when the muffler gets hot because the sound mellows just a bit.

My wife said she didn't realize how noisy it was. I kinda like the sound though ...except for the carbon monoxide issue that might be seeping into the van.

Replacement mufflers are about $70 to $90 dollars up here in the snow and salt belt outside Toronto...because the darned exhaust system is assembled at the factory, the welds help and hinder replacement, unless you are creative enough to splice in new pipe and a muffler.

I've used 55 Chevy mufflers years ago on a '62 Falcon 302 V-8 project that needed the road clearance. Was a great solution and at the time, the mufflers were dirt cheap. Not so now apparently.

Bob