Need exhaust - is it worth it?

[kenam]

I posted recently about a mk1 avensis that I got.

 

A few weeks in and it needs a new middle section  exhaust + cat .  There are other minor issues with it - When giving full lock on steering it feels there is no power steering.  Also - the engine tappit noise sees to be getting louder.  I may as well fix the exhaust at ~140£ but I am eyeing up the power steering issue and wonder if I have some expensive repair bills ahead of me..!

[Konrad C]

The exhaust is easy. I have a used (1 year) catalytic converter sitting in the hallway of my house. I changed it for another when diagnosing a high emissions and it was actually better than the replacement. The faulty was the vacuum system. The Euroflo cat' needs a little bit of fettling for clearance, where as the React version from Eurocarparts fitted fine. It was only about 1cm. My old car was a 1.8 leanburn (7A-FE).

If the power steering fluid is topped up and clean, I would look at a more serious issue. If the fluid looks past it, then a change won't hurt. 

What engine does your car have and how many miles has the car done? Tappet noises are a sign of wear. The tappets are shim and buckets. Confirm the source of the noise first. It could be the exhaust manifold.      

[kenam]

Garage is doing exhaust mid section now - for a bit over 100 quits its not too bad for now - buys me another few days motoring at least !- although I have no idea what cat is being put on..

The power steering doesn't seem too bad - Although I will change the fluid - its a little dirty, but is at the correct level.

I think its also the 1.8-litre 7A-FE (i.e. not the VVT one) with ~95k miles  connected to an automatic gearbox (another thing that gives me the fear on an old car.. more complexity etc!).

Being a keyboard mechanic - (I would do little more that an wheel change for a flat tyre) how can I better diagnose the noise issue - I reckon sending it to the garage would cost a fortune to find the issue.

[mickburkesnr]

When was the car last serviced? It might benefit from an oil change. And do you know when the timing belt was last changed?

[Konrad C]

I did a lot on my old car. See my old posts and also the links within.

The cat' won't matter as much on that car, so long as it works. The car only has one O2 (leanburn) sensor.  

Also get the Haynes manual which covers the car with all petrol engines (not diesels). Any other info, you will find on this forum. 

 

[kenam]

2 hours ago, mickburkesnr said:

When was the car last serviced? It might benefit from an oil change. And do you know when the timing belt was last changed?

No idea to both.  I tried to get service history online, but nothing found.

I will get it through a service shortly, front tyre is down to 2mm so will give it a few weeks of light use and get it in for tyre and service.

 

I do have a (possibly irrational) fear of changing oil + filters on old cars - done it once when traveling to an old (1980s) Australian car - ran fine before then rough as hell afterwards.. I put it down to all that dirt and grime in the oil system holding it all together!

 

[gazza1286]

The power steering units on this model are belt driven and are under maximum stress at full lock. The belt will be either worn or incorrectly tensioned. 

An old post which you or your mechanic may find helpful.  

 

 

[mickburkesnr]

1 hour ago, kenam said:

No idea to both.  I tried to get service history online, but nothing found.

I will get it through a service shortly, front tyre is down to 2mm so will give it a few weeks of light use and get it in for tyre and service.

 

I do have a (possibly irrational) fear of changing oil + filters on old cars - done it once when traveling to an old (1980s) Australian car - ran fine before then rough as hell afterwards.. I put it down to all that dirt and grime in the oil system holding it all together!

 

I would have both done and have the tensioners etc changed too. At 95k miles it should've been done at (I guess) 60k, but if it's been over 5 years etc the belt or it's pulleys etc might be worn out and due a replacement. The pulleys and tensioner does cause noises in the engine.

As long as you put the right type of oil in and the correct amount, make sure the filters are tightened etc it shouldn't cause any problems. If you're using old oil it's not protecting the inside of the engine and it'll cause you far more problems.

[kenam]

37 minutes ago, mickburkesnr said:

I would have both done and have the tensioners etc changed too. At 95k miles it should've been done at (I guess) 60k, but if it's been over 5 years etc the belt or it's pulleys etc might be worn out and due a replacement. The pulleys and tensioner does cause noises in the engine.

As long as you put the right type of oil in and the correct amount, make sure the filters are tightened etc it shouldn't cause any problems. If you're using old oil it's not protecting the inside of the engine and it'll cause you far more problems.

 

ye RE service history - who knows - the last owner had it for 8 years and the last 30k (all local miles), the first owner - I am guessing didn't do much to it when it hit the 60/70k miles mark and sold it on..

I will get a basic service (oil/ filter change) and pay a bit more for the power steering fluid.  If the mechanic quotes not much more for the belt/tensioner then maybe that, if not I will leave it a bit and see as the jobs are mounting up..  (I also have the rocker cover gasket) and that tappet noise indicating possible previous damage gives me the fear!

The final job is what I can only describe as 'old car sound' knocking from the nearside wheel - heard when rolling over bumps - its not loud or anything and handling feels ok (for its age) - but another job non the less to the list!! 

 

1 hour ago, gazza1286 said:

The power steering units on this model are belt driven and are under maximum stress at full lock. The belt will be either worn or incorrectly tensioned. 

An old post which you or your mechanic may find helpful.  

 

 

Thanks - but my mechanical abilities are definitely limited - with a bit of googling and places such as this I get the theory, but I dont have the tools/experience or ability to do much myself - in most cases its better to get a mechanic - otherwise its half the job at 10 times the time!

[kenam]

Genuine thanks to all for the advice so far - been helpful with getting to know this old car - hopefully enough to give it a semi graceful retirement!