I have a 1985 volvo I have been trying to get road ready. I have put in a new battery and run it every couple days so it won't die in the meantime. I am getting 4 tires i will need mounted, the fluids changed to get it ready for smog and now while running it today, i noticed a hole in the bottom of the muffler (?) - where the tail pipe comes out of and it's dripping the same reddish/orange fluid that comes out of the tailpipe when you start your car(which I was told is normal). Clearly, there is not supposed to be a hole there and it drips the fluid rapidly when running. So, is it safe to run it to keep it alive and where can I go to get everything fixed at once, that's inexpensive yet reliable - since I need so much done, I'm hoping for a deal. On a tight budget and this could really screw my plan to get the car on the road in the next month! It would be Carlsbad area...I don't want to take it far b/c of the damn drip. Any suggestions wpuld be great!
2006-09-26 11:39:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The cheap quick fix would be muffler mender, a heat proof putty you can cover the hole with until you can replace the exhaust parts that have rusted out. The drip is rusty water, a natural byproduct of steel and combustion.
The charging issue is common on old volvos, you need to test the alternator to be sure its charging and clean all the connections. Those also tend to rot out. They can be reliable cars with proper maitenance.
Oh, Have your front ball joints checked if it's a 240.
2006-09-26 11:46:04 · answer #1 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some vehicle exhaust systems have a condensation drip hole to allow condensation to escape instead of pooling in the exhaust. most of the time they do this when the tailpipe curves upward over the rear axle to allow water escape. if a shop checked it out it should be ok. check engine coolant levels to be sure you are not leaking coolant. if levels are good no further repair should be needed. just a side note: don't put too much in your vehicle. it has no resale valve being that old and with all this work done it still will have no resale value. these repairs are just for your benefit to get some more time out of your purchase. volvos are great cars but you will need to decide how much IT IS WORTH TO YOU---------
2006-09-26 20:10:36 · answer #2 · answered by Todd V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Redish orange fluid = rusty water (no biggie)
Condensation builds up inside the muffler as it cools down.
Plus, catalitic converters create water as the engine runs.
There a weep holes drilled at the lowest point of mufflers to drain the condensation.
Don't worry, everything is normal
2006-09-26 18:49:36 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mufflers have a small hole in the back to allow condansation to be removed from the muffler so it dont rust up internally.
i would not worry about it - if the hole does not look like it is ment to be there like a rust hole then a muffler shop can just weld a spot weld on it and your done..
Good Luck
2006-09-26 18:42:08 · answer #4 · answered by CAR GUY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you are putting a lot of money in an old car that is not worth it........Good Luck!
2006-09-26 18:42:24 · answer #5 · answered by Mudtime4me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a leaking head gasket or cracked block....
2006-09-26 18:41:12 · answer #6 · answered by MC 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋