JP250

So i developed an exhaust leak and now i have a check engine/vsc light. I have some pictures below showing where the leak is. It is between the two flanges. I see smoke coming out from this area between the flanges. This photo was taken on the passenger side right behind the front wheels. Is this a bad gasket that has become corroded(if it even has a gasket to begin with)? This is an 08 is250AWD w/ 113k miles that just went through one of the roughest chicago winters.

JP250

forgot to add pictures lol. i didnt get a good look at it, but does it seem like it is missing a bolt that connects the two flanges? maybe it just needs a bolt to tighten the flanges together

pmanliu

iTrader: (4)

Yeah it does look like the bolt is missing. I'd replace and also put some gasket maker (red) on the flange too

JP250

hhmm not sure why i only thought of that now. can't believe a bolt just came off like that so easily. thanks for the help. would that exhaust leak cause the car to have a check engine light? I believe the code was p0420 i believe.

pmanliu

iTrader: (4)

Most likely since its in such close proximity/right before the cats. P04020 is related to the cats too

JP250

so i went to a local muffler shop for them to take a look at the car. The bolts are intact, but seems like the gasket corroded off. They are charging me $65 to just put a new gasket on. seems too pricey to me, so i left. was thinking of just patching it up with some muffler putty. what do you guys think? there are two pipes down there on the driver side and passenger side right , which lies a foot past the front wheels.

dmk720

You still have no holes under the heat shield? That's usually first thing to go. Next project for you coming soon.

JP250

problem came back again. did you guys weld yours closed?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Get a new set of gaskets that look like these in this thread :

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...e-gaskets.html

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I would just pay the $65 to be honest.

dmk720

Same issue with my IS. I used large hose clamps around on both sides. Try this and see if codes are gone.

Bichon

Yes, an exhaust leak delays catalytic converter light off, which causes a P0420 or P0430, depending on side.