Today's Project 850 Wagon Tailpipe...

[plumsmooth]

2 Weeks ago when my former mechanic -- whom I am trying to get a mercy inspection out of -- identified both the ABS light and a Possible Exhaust Leak as 2 preventative factors toward this years inspection, I eventually decided to at least replace the rusted holy exhaust tailpipe -- in addition to repairing the ABS system, which I have thanks to Matt at Midwest ABS!

Especially since his "put your hand over the pipe" and check for vacuum-release diagnostic was interfered with by multiple holes in the old tail pipe...

My understanding currently is that with a fully sealed exhaust system this test may even stall the engine?

Anyway I replaced the tailpipe today with this one here -- and I have one question about it:
Should I smear anything on the mating surface before securing tailpipe?

For now I haven't. I did wire brush the mating surface. The new pipe fit perfect. Originally I thought it was a little big. I tightened it down until I heard a little crinkle.

I am hoping when he sees this he will not do this test again...

This may seem like an easy project but I do not have any support group really except here. Thank you everyone!
And I had to hack saw off one nut on the original clamp which originally I thought I was going to have to reuse until I realized that the new one came with its own proprietary clamp and 17mm bolt!

After that I just knocked it loose with a hammer and pulled the old one right off!

P.S. Should I be using a torch in the future for rusty bolt removal?

[RussB]

Nice! My current tailpipe is just a straight pipe...nuthin' fancy. I'm liking that Starla.