You can feel a breeze coming from about where the catalytic convertor is when you rev the engine and are standing on the outside. It sounds like I have bad exhaust gaskets too, the exhaust itself has no holes.

It looks like NAPA sells the gaskets for $3.50 a piece, and I was wondering how many I need. I've never replaced them before, so do you just need one per joint, and you're done with it, or is there some odd procedures?

 

nothing special, it's an exhaust gasket. I got mine from autozone, and I think they were cheaper than $3.50 a piece. Just get some liquid nails ready for the rusted spherical exhaust bolts, and check your cat for cloggedness while you're in there.

 

Is it easy to get a hold of new bolts? I've been just replacing hardware with stainless high-grade when I've been doing things like the brakes. It's a bit expensive, but I know I'll never have to cut 'em out again.

How do you check for cat clogging anyways? And while I'm at it, would it be worth it to pull the pre-cats and leave the main cat there? I should be able to get a straight chunk of pipe for pretty cheap, but the only concern I have is that it would increase the volume quite a bit.

 

I would suggest getting Mazda gaskets. Generic gaskets only last a week or so in my experience.

 

Really? How much are Mazda gaskets going to run me and how long should they normally last?

 

They'll be about twice the price of the generic gaskets...Should last for many years.

 

I haven't had any problems with my cheap gaskets (knock on wood), but Aaron knows his stuff.

You get these from Mazda? The dealer around here has been next to useless for getting parts; I've had to order everything I need from MazdaTrix.


I just buy new forged bolts from whatever hardware store I come across, works for me.

To check your cat, just look through it. If you can't see through the honeycomb stuff, it's clogged. Also, it'll get hot and glow if it's all clogged up.

 

for exhaust that you will be taking off again, use brass nuts/bolts. Always use the MAzda gaskets, aaron is 100% correct.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I can't wait to get these exhaust leaks plugged up and hopefully boost my MPG a little bit.