For a number of reasons, exhaust system work can be the most dangerous type
of work you can do on your vehicle. Always observe the following precautions:
- Support the vehicle extra securely. Not only will you often be working directly
under it, but you'll frequently be using a lot of force, say, heavy hammer
blows, to dislodge rusted parts. This can cause a vehicle that's improperly
supported to shift and possibly fall.
- Wear goggles. Exhaust system parts are always rusty. Metal chips can be
dislodged, even when you're only turning rusted bolts. Attempting to pry pipes
apart with a chisel makes the chips fly even more frequently.
- If you're using a cutting torch, keep it a great distance from either the
fuel tank or lines. Stop what you're doing and feel the temperature of the
fuel bearing pipes on the tank frequently. Even slight heat can expand and/or
vaporize fuel, resulting in accumulated vapor, or even a liquid leak, near
your torch.
- Watch where your hammer blows fall and make sure you hit squarely. You could
easily tap a brake or fuel line when you hit an exhaust system part with a
glancing blow. Inspect all lines and hoses in the area where you've been working.
CAUTION
Be very careful when working on or near the catalytic converter. External temperatures
can reach 1,500°F (816°C) and more, causing severe burns. Removal
or installation should be performed only on a cold exhaust system.
A number of special exhaust system tools can be rented from auto supply houses
or local stores that rent special equipment. A common one is a tail pipe expander,
designed to enable you to join pipes of identical diameter.
It may also be quite helpful to use solvents designed to loosen rusted bolts
or flanges. Soaking rusted parts the night before you do the job can speed the
work of freeing rusted parts considerably. Remember that these solvents are
often flammable. Apply only to parts after they are cool!
