I can't get my exaust apart! 300TE

[CEC]

I just bought a new muffler as my old one is completely rotted out. 1990 300TE. I can't get the rear muffler seperated from the center muffler. It is stuck. I have tried heat, penetrating fluid, banging etc. I then tried to undue the center muffler so I could pull the assembly out and have more places to work. I can't get those connections undone. It appears everything is stuck togethor. Please advise. I either need to get this fixed ASAP or sell my 2 seater and buy a bigger car before my wife kills me.

Chuck

[JimSmith]

CEC,

Having been in your position, without this forum, I was forced to do some desperate stuff. It is a lot of work, but I have no other ideas, so I will pass this on to you.

I am assuming the old pipe joint has an expanded "female" end on the part of the pipe you are replacing, with small splits 180 degrees apart, as that is how my cars were made.

I cut the old pipe off with a hacksaw just behind the joint. Then I located the splits, and used a Dremel tool or a hacksaw, and extended the split to the end of the pipe stub. Then I banged a chisel in the split line and separated the outer pipe remnant from the inner pipe.

Once before I just drove the car around until the pipe fell off. That was more dramatic and less physical work, but I do not recommend it unless you have no tools and it is Sunday night.

I hope this helps, Jim

[CEC]

Thanks for the tip. I did exactly as you stated and it worked like a charm.

[JimSmith]

Glad to help! Jim