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Can anyone give me advice on whether or not its worth replacing a Y pipe or getting the leaks welded over instead? I need to have my passenger side catalytic converter and y pipe replaced, causing CEL.
Can anyone give me advice on whether or not its worth replacing a Y pipe or getting the leaks welded over instead? I need to have my passenger side catalytic converter and y pipe replaced, causing CEL.
As I said earlier, there is a good chance your passenger side catalytic converter is fine. The P0420 code you are seeing is most likely due to the delay in light off due to the leak.
Welding over the holes is an inexpensive fix, but not as long-lasting as cutting out and replacing the corroded pipe, and certainly not as long lasting as replacing the entire subsystem.
Thanks Bichon. Still waiting to see if Lexus will help me out. I do remember hearing that the cat converter can be cleaned and should fix the issues on that piece.
Thanks Bichon. Still waiting to see if Lexus will help me out. I do remember hearing that the cat converter can be cleaned and should fix the issues on that piece.
My pleasure. Again, your catalytic converter is probably fine, and likely won't even need to be cleaned. Let me explain it in more detail. Catalytic converters do not work until they warm up. When you have an exhaust leak, some of the hot exhaust gases leak out the holes in the exhaust before they get to the catalytic converters; since there is less heat, it takes longer than normal before the catalytic converters warm up sufficiently and start to operate. The OBD2 diagnostic test for the catalytic converters is performed relatively early in the drive cycle. That is because engines produce the most pollutants when they are cold, so it's important that they start working as soon as possible. Normally the catalytic converters are up to temp at working at that point when the test is performed, but with an exhaust leak they might not be. That's why you get the check engine light with a P0420 or P0430 code. As soon as you repair the exhaust leak and the catalytic converters heat up as quickly as they should, the diagnostic test will pass, and the check engine light will go out.
Bichon, EXCELLENT way to explain this to a non mechanic. I actually get what the issue is now causing the CEL so thank you
I have to determine whether or not welding the pipe would be okay or replacing it is best. I want to repair for the long run since I wouldn't want to sell this car to someone knowing it has this kind of damage don't need more bad karma here.
Last day I can get this pipe replaced for $700 + labor is monday so have to make a decision asap.
Hi Everyone!! I just came across this forum while researching exhaust leak issues on my ES. Dealership diagnosed exhaust leak and gave me a quote for $2500 for new exhaust saying it is not covered under warranty. Will aftermarket exhaust work on Lexus? Also I don't notice much noise only when its parked and turn on, they say its on noisy side. Any body here in Toronto Ontario having similar issue with 08 ES. Would it cause emission failure, or failure of other components if I keep driving. Any good shops around Toronto apart from Lexus dealership which can handle this issue. Thanks for creating such a useful forum to share their stories.
Thank you all for great inputs. Lexus dealership recommends flexible hose pipe front along with centre flange and all hardware, will check with exhaust specialists recommended to find out what they recommend though I don't notice huge difference in noise from the day I bought this 2008 ES 350 from Quebec and got it delivered here in Toronto. Hope to resolve this issue soon as I heard it affects fuel consumption too. I am getting 500-510 per gas tank in city driving.
