97 850 GLT break between catalytic converter and pipe to muffler Topic is solved

[mkc1]

Hi,
My 97 850 GLT has developed a break where the pipe to the muffler attaches to the cat. The shop I've taken it to says they'll have to replace the cat to repair it because they can't weld it back together (partially because there's too much rust, partially because they don't have a welder with a hooked tip.) Does this look like something that could be fixed without replacing the cat to you guys?
Thanks!
IMG_0060 by mkc2006, on Flickr

[misha]

Take the car to a shop that know how to use a welder.
It's easy and not more than 10-15 min repair.

[Chuck W]

Welding it will most likely be a temporary repair. Getting it clean enough for a good weld is going to be the problem.

[foggydogg]

Hi,
My 97 850 GLT has developed a break where the pipe to the muffler attaches to the cat. The shop I've taken it to says they'll have to replace the cat to repair it because they can't weld it back together (partially because there's too much rust, partially because they don't have a welder with a hooked tip.) Does this look like something that could be fixed without replacing the cat to you guys?
Thanks!
IMG_0060 by mkc2006, on Flickr

My '98 came to me with three broken motor mounts, and the pipe failed in that exact same place. I took it off the car - not a small job on a turbo, but not hateful - and found a local muffler shop that MIG welded it for me. The guy said using argon as the shielding gas makes it easier to deal with rust; all he did was wire brush the parts, five minutes and $20 later I was on my way.
The biggest problem getting it off the car was the bubble joint under the clamp. Heat is your friend.

[erikv11]

Take the car to a shop that know how to use a welder.
It's easy and not more than 10-15 min repair.

This is what I've done with four P80 cars, all of which broke at that spot in the exhaust. Take it to the local exhaust shop (not the chain, the local shop) and have them repair it in place. Repairs are still holding up on the three cars I still have. Two of them were done 5 or 6 years ago, maybe I have a good exhaust shop.

[mkc1]

Thanks for all the responses! The original shop I took it to decided they could weld in a new section of pipe after all without replacing the cat, so $300 later, it's good. Thanks again!