sc4canada

there's a leak from one of the cats... what could be the problem? will replacing the gasket fix it (i was told it might)?

SPORTcoupe

iTrader: (2)

A leak from one of the cats?
Unless there's a dead cat trapped underneath your car, I'm gonna assume you're talkign about the catalytic converter.
If it is the CAT, the only thing it can possibly leak is eghaust gas.

Please elaborate.

~Alan

sc4canada

sorry, yeah it's from the catalytic conv and it's an oily substance. Since it never did this before I just wanted to know what it could be and what could be the cause.

SPORTcoupe

iTrader: (2)

Odd. If there is a visible crack in the cat, get it welded shut.
Otherwise look for leaks above the cat.

~Alan

sc4canada

Thanks Alan, the mechanic's comment was, "exhaust leaking from flange at catalytic converter, may try replacing the gasket first". Anyone with any coments?

Thanks,
Nick

mikeloc24

Perhaps your oil pan gasket is leaking, even though supposedly there's no "gasket"...just silicone. That's a common issue on our cars at high mileage. Is the "oily substance" leaking from the oil pan down onto the exhaust flange somehow?

There's also the dreaded "rear main seal" leak issue...that's in the rear center of the car where the tranny mounts up. These are just guesses as to common oil leaks in our cars, determine exactly where the oily substance is coming from and we can narrow it down

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

I'm confused as to what oily substance would be coming from your cats?

jonny

SPORTcoupe

iTrader: (2)

Exhaust flange costs $5 MAX and you can replace it yourself.
Do that and see what happens.

Can you hear a slight hissing coming from that are when the car is on?

sc4canada

I can not get under the car and check so i'll just get the dealer to fix whatever it might be.
I just wanted an opinion and a suggestion for what could be causing this.

When I take it to get it fixed I will post an update including the dealer's comments and what was fixed. Thanks to everyone for trying to help.

Nick

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Nick,

Unless you have more money than u know what to do with - give the dealer a miss. Any muffler shop can replace your flanges at a fraction of the price that Lexus will.

Don't waste your money,

Jonny

mikeloc24

I'm waiting to hear what ridiculous price the dealer will charge for this little repair

probably an arm and 2 legs just for a flange! lol.

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

I just replaced mine along with every other gasket when I put in my new engine.

There was one gasket, not sure if it was this one or the one at the mufflers that u can only get through Lexus. Was about $8 I think.

Anyway, good luck

Jonny

SPORTcoupe

iTrader: (2)

I don't even go to the Lexus dealer anymore.
You'll hear me reffering to my car as a 96 Supra more often than as a 96 SC300.
Most any drivetrain piece you can buy from a Lexus dealer, you can buy at a Toyota dealer for a fraction of the price.

~Alan

P.S. I work part time (1 day a week) at a Sears Auto Center and I decided to try wearing my uniform to the Toyota dealership when I went to pick up a part.
Without question the parts guy gave me the wholesale price.
Only catch to this is they expect you to pay either cash or store credit.
That and the parts should be at least somewhat relevant to the place you're representing. (i.e. If I tried to buy a transmission at wholesale, it would look funny)

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

You mean Sears doesn't install transmissions!!!

JK man,

Peace,
Jonny