I decided to go for a long drive to try to pinpoint where any other issues might be and to better understand where the current issues are emanating from.

Well after a +100 mile drive I have made a mistake about the mid-pipe hitting the gas tank strap. The "bumping" sounds were caused by the cat O2 sensor being loose. The threads were vibrating the cat and causing the "bumping sounds. After i cut the heatshield, there is no rubbing or rattling from the exhaust.

Because of this very careful examination, I found an exhaust leak where the mid-pipe flange connects to the muffler flange. I wrenched the 2 bolts there to the max and that has not alleviated the leak. I dont know what else to try now... I have tried to unbolt the mid-pipe and the muffler several times to try and "play" with the fitment/connection of the two flanges all to no avail.

The leak is only at the bottom of the flange. The top of the flange is fine and no leak seems to be there, only the bottom of the flange.

Other peopl woith this exhaust on their R's can you please check to see if you have an exhaust leak there and let me know via IM or email.

 

check to see if your flange is warped...

 

Sort of a stupid question, but did you install a gasket to connect the mid-pipe and axle back/muffler section?

 

i do have the gasket supplied by AJ and it is used.

as for the flange being warped...i dont think it is...it looks fine. so can anyone give me any options here??

 

Bring it to a good muffler shop and let them take a look at it?

 

use a straight edge to see if it is warped. just "eyeing" it is not accurate enough

btw, what header are you using?

 

If the leak is at the bottom, then I would say push at the bottom of the flange and tighten the two bolts to the max, while pushing at the point of leakage. I hope this helps. If it is just a surface problem, then sand the flanges so that they fit flush.

 

You guys still use gaskets. hahahahaha

 

i think he has the same setup as me.

DC JDM 4-1, carsound, T1R catback.

Mine is leaking where the axleback bolts to the bpipe. Leaks at the bottom.

I got under my car today to fix the rattles, I ended up using the dremel to cut the heatshields where it rattled. The loudest rattles are gone, but there are a few slight ones. I figure where the exhaust is hitting the strap holding the gastank.

 

Will cutting or removing the heatshield creat any problem?
I think Honda put a heatshield there for a reason.

 

Ferrell: Im glad im not the only one in this boat...I IM'd you.

So any way here are some pics of the leak. As you can see it is pretty bad. I have tried pushing the bottom of it while I torque down the bolts, but that does absolutely nothing in terms of stopping the leak.

Water drips down like the Niagra Falls. I have emailled all this to AJ and hopefully they will be able to do something about this. I am just really fed up with this exhaust. If it is not one thing it is another...

After I cut the heatshield up especially where the gas tank strap is, the rattles stopped. My patience with this is pretty much all exhausted. No pun intended

All this from a stupid exhaust. I am pretty sure the others will have the same problems. They just dont know, because they are not under the car checking on this.





Here are some pics of why I think the muffler angles to the left. As you can see, the hangers on the muffler are not bent enough to fully clear the hanging points on the car. This is not the only issue, the hangers on the muffler I think are also welded on the muffler at the wrong angle.






For the people who are thinking about buying this exhaust, I would really suggest you wait until all these problems have been dealt with and are resolved. Because as of now, this exhaust is a POS and I wasted my money on a piece of pretty junk




[Modified by Art Vandeleigh, 11:10 AM 4/7/2003]

 

What kind of cat are you running ? My friend has a custom test pipe and it did the same thingso the mechanic said the custom test pipe was too short so he extended it and now is perfect.

 

Does exhaust gas leak out as well, or only water? If there is no exhaust leak, I think it is okay. Water tends to collect down there as it is the lowest point of the exhaust, and it will soak throught the gasket "somewhat." This happened on my 5zigen exhaust, but I'm not sure if my T1R does this. I'll check today. I did however hear a high-pitched "pshhhh" noise the other day while redlining. I thought it was air escaping around the silencer, pushing it out, but it wasn't. So I may have a leak as well.

 

If you look at his muffler hangers, they are stretching the rubber towards the rear of the car. That would mean his exhaust is not short, but a bit long. I don't think his cat being longer would help. Maybe an inch shorter...

 

Make sure the B pipe isn't overly tightened on the cat because it can shift over when using air tools.

 

Yes there is also exhaust gas leaking out.

That sounds like a possible exhaust leak as well. You need to get under the car while it is running and check!!

Well I got an email from AJ and they said they will send me another gasket, but i really dont think that will alleviate the problem....but I guess we will see.

 

By looking the pics , it seemed the muffler has been pulled backwards so I guess the test pipe is too short.

 

I don't think it's been pulled backwards (towards the front), but rather pushed towards the rear of the car. The hangers point towards the rear of the car. This would indicate a cat/test pipe that is too long, not too short.

 

Wow more probs with T1R exhaust

I haven't driven my R for a week now, snowin like crazy up her in nowhere Canada I'm willing to bet that I have the leak as well.

Still waiting for my replacement "non-defective" exhaust from AJ.When I first got my exhaust,after driving it for a bit,I remember noticing drops of water dripping from the flange connection between axle-back & b-pipe.I'll take a better look though next time I drive.

I' really thinking of T1R b-pipe + Spoon N1 or Fujitsubo This combo can't be that much louder than my current T1R exhaust. Wish I could afford an Amuse exhaust Any thoughts from u guys?

 

Ugh, well, I went away for a week and I'm not at all suprised these issues haven't been resolved yet... *sigh* If AJ doesn't take care of this soon I think I'm going to cut my losses and try to sell the T1R for whatever I can get for it and get a Fujitsubo. My car rattles like nothing else, and I'm not about to take a dremel to any parts under my car to fix this damn exhaust.

 

When Upgrading to A Performance Exhaust You must Understand that It wont Fit Like OEM, Sound Like OEM, Nor Perform Like OEM

You guys are a Bunch Of Sissy's

If you want a Race Car then Be prepared, But if you want a Normal Street car then Leave your car stock and Quit Your Bitching


Eric

 

How long is your cat? It looks too long by about an inch from the photos. I take it that the T1R is setup for a JDM style cat which is only 12 inches long. If it is too long it could go a long way to explaining the B pipe fouling issues.

As for the leak it looks like a common problem but could be fixed quite easily. Overall I don't think it needs to be thrown on the scrap heap but you will require some new bits or the help of a gas axe to get a positive outcome... not exactly what you were expecting when you paid all that money

 

Ehh... There are better exhausts for the ITR that don't require any modifications though. I'm not going to go ******* up my heat shields and thermal wrapping the parts that rub for this stupid exhaust. That seems assinine to me. I just got back from a McDonalds breakfast run after not driving my car for a week and I forgot just how bad the rattle is, it sounds like the rear of my car is dying a slow and painful death.

Has anyone had AJ DO anything about this, or just say they're working on getting a exhaust that fits? This pisses me off so much *sigh*

 

T1R b pipe with Spoon N1 axle back some minor sealing problems too. There is n oleak when the exhaust has warmed up. I agree with Rainman, aftermarket exhaust is never 100% same as oem.

 

i have T1R b-pipe but not the muffler.. and i have NO problem WHATSOEVER. it's running perfect. Infact i love it
good luck with your set up