I Think I Might Need A New Exhaust :(

[dreamypuma]

Hi all,

Just got back from the Toyota garage after being ripped off for fitting a new electric aerial and noticed a slight throaty, burble louder than usual coming from the rear bumper (drivers side) Think It might be the exhaust. I've only had the car about 6months and it's about 5 years old. It's always kind of fluttered at low revs / high gear.

Just looked anround on the Web and I'me getting quite confused by all the exhausts out there. (Decat?/ Cat Back? etc) I've also heard a few nasty things about something called a "Pre-Cat"

Just wondered if anyone knows of the most economical way of replacing the exhaust, if indeed it is the exhaust. I don't want to do anything fancy a standard exhaust will do fine. Anyone replaced one from Toyota dealership? what sort of price were you charged? Any guidline prices for this type of work from Kwik fit etc would be useful.

I've seen exhausts for the MR2 Roadster at about £350, which seems a bit steep. I really don't fancy paying Toyota GB prices for it.

I also wondered if anyone knew of a Toyota specialist or Non franchised Toyota garage in the Leeds / Bradford area.

[Devil-ish]

Hi and welcome to the club. (This is GIDDLEPIN by the way, my PC is buggered and I'm on the wifes laptop )

First of all before you start looking to get a new exhaust system, check all the joints you might find it’s just a loose stud or broken clamp.

Second, regarding the pre-cats (they’re situated behind the heat shield covering the manifold), there has unfortunately been an issue with earlier Roadsters (pre 2002 models) where the ceramic material has broken up and allegedly caused engine failures, the telltale signs usually start with excessive oil consumption.

There is a way of fixing this problem although it’s not in the Mr T workshop manual, all you have to do is basically strip the system and gut the pre-cats (not as hard as you think). ;)

The other question regarding hood treatment, I use something called “Vinyl Dressing”, it looks a bit like watery milk and keeps the top supple and looking like new

Les

[dreamypuma]

Hi and welcome to the club. (This is GIDDLEPIN by the way, my PC is buggered and I'm on the wifes laptop )

First of all before you start looking to get a new exhaust system, check all the joints you might find it’s just a loose stud or broken clamp.

Second, regarding the pre-cats (they’re situated behind the heat shield covering the manifold), there has unfortunately been an issue with earlier Roadsters (pre 2002 models) where the ceramic material has broken up and allegedly caused engine failures, the telltale signs usually start with excessive oil consumption.

There is a way of fixing this problem although it’s not in the Mr T workshop manual, all you have to do is basically strip the system and gut the pre-cats (not as hard as you think). ;)

The other question regarding hood treatment, I use something called “Vinyl Dressing”, it looks a bit like watery milk and keeps the top supple and looking like new

Les

I'll get the exhaust checked on Friday. Where do you get the Vinyl Dressing from? Can I just pick it up from Halfords or something?

This exhaust thing is bothering me now. I've had to go to three times now and I'm starting to think that they are a bunch of liars and robbing gits!

At the last service they told me I had to change the Front Discs. I didn't and had it checked by 4 garages and every one said there was no problem. Anyway I wrote to them and Toyota GB and I got £70 compo.

But it took ages and they were useless.

[GIDDLEPIN]

The vinyl dressing I use is from THIS company.

If you know anybody that works in the motor or haulage trade try and get them to get you some of the "Vinyl Shield" I was lucky and managed to blag a gallon at my last job ;) .

[dreamypuma]

The vinyl dressing I use is from THIS company.

If you know anybody that works in the motor or haulage trade try and get them to get you some of the "Vinyl Shield" I was lucky and managed to blag a gallon at my last job ;) .

A Gallon!!

I'll try calling tomorrow to see if they sell smaller quanities. Where I work I use a haulier, but he's an owner driver, I guess he'll need to have an account with them. If I can get a small 250ml or litre bottle how many goes do you think i'll get?

Thanks for your help.

I know i'm going slightly off topic, but I think my leaking door seals got a whole lot worse this morning, the corner of the passenger seat was soaked this morning. :(

Does anyone know if changing the door seals is possible and if it's a big job. I personnally think the Toyota garage didn't shut the roof properly after my visit yesterday. But I think I need to change them anyway due to a small leak on the passenger side.

[GIDDLEPIN]

Where abouts on your seat is the wet patch?

If it is on the base near the side of the door it could be just a small problem with the hood not seating properly after having it down, mine is a right pain with this as I never know if it has sat right untill it rains

(That gallon of dressing is still good after nearly two years)

[dreamypuma]

Its at the passenger side right on the corner nearest to the door in the footwell, near the cubby hole (base of the seat). Its been raining on and off today and it hasn't leaked at all since I opened the hood and closed it as I would do it normally. I think one of thos thick technicians at Toyota hadn't shut it properly.

I've had compensation out of them :censor: in January for problems I've had with there servicing, will they ever learn!!!! :ffs:

I'm going to get some dressing, but apply it when we get so good dry days. I think its about time I gave the car a good scrib and pamper.

[GIDDLEPIN]

Its at the passenger side right on the corner nearest to the door in the footwell, near the cubby hole (base of the seat). Its been raining on and off today and it hasn't leaked at all since I opened the hood and closed it as I would do it normally. I think one of thos thick technicians at Toyota hadn't shut it properly.

I've had compensation out of them :censor: in January for problems I've had with there servicing, will they ever learn!!!! :ffs:

I'm going to get some dressing, but apply it when we get so good dry days. I think its about time I gave the car a good scrib and pamper.

Looks like that was the problem with the leak I must get the water marks out of mine when the weather improves, looks tatty on red cloth.

By the way, don't forget to check out the Meets section, The Northern ones are legendary

[dreamypuma]

I've got red cloth in mine too and noticed a darkening in it, where the leak had dried. Will this come out of the cloth? The noise on the exhaust isn't too bad now either. I think it must have been the engine because it was very cold. (hope so anyway )

I was looking at the track day event in Leicestershire...anyone else going? Are they all day events? Wouldn't mind going but don't want to incur any damage and wear & tear on my 2, so might just spectate.