Exhaust Removal Question - 93 400e
 

i was attempting to remove my exhaust from the cat back today. Unbolted both of the clamps that *i thought* were the only things holding the pipes together. However, upon unbolting, the pipes still wouldnt seperate from the cats. At first glance i thought it was welded, but i sort of got the left one to budge. However, the 2nd one WILL NOT MOVE. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get them apart withouht cutting? The car has 215,000 miles on it so i think they may just be rusted, but i could use some pointers. Thanks.

On my 86 300 E there is about 8"? of that cat pipe (on the one side) up in the center muffler pipe. Bang it a lot and alternatly, mostly twist it (torque it) until it comes loose. You will need a new gasket on that side. I don't know what it is made of (seems like hardened anti-sieze on there and the new one looks like metalic particle board) but it will not survive the removal. Probably replace both gaskets if it is really that old. Good luck, this job is more swearing than smiles.

wont need new gaskets :)
gutted cats and dumped exhaust. Thanks though. As long as it isnt welded i might just have to put it on a lift. But damn that **** would not budge.

still cant get it to budge. Do you think there is any way to get it off besides cutting it if it is most likely rust?

There are some ideas in this thread. (see entries #6 & #7 on the list)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/106818-silence-please.html?highlight=silence