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I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.
How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?
Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.
If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.
what year, what side do you think the exhaust leak is coming from, and where in the exhaust do you think its leaking.
Originally Posted by noahkim205
Hello everyone,
I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.
How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?
Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.
If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.
True but unless you have LT headers and the sensor is at the very far end, what is the difference? Past the sensor, you can pump in pure oxygen for all it cares. He has an L98 which has the sensor pretty close to the heads, relatively so unless he has a massive head to exhaust manifold leak, I don't think that is the issue.
I've been having this issue with the loud engine vibrating like heart beats when the gear is on neutral or parked. My C4's current average mpg stays around 11. I'm assuming that it's something to do with the exhaust leak. There is a check engine light with code 13, but I already replaced the oxygen sensor and the light is still there. I've heard if there is an exhaust leak there can be problems with the oxygen sensor at the same time.
How can I fix this issue and what would cost me to fix it from the repairers?
Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I think Code 13 is an O2 sensor circuit problem. Why don't you get a scanner and see what the ECM is seeing? If the ECM sees nothing, get the car good and hot and disconnect the O2 sensor and see if it gets voltage. If it does give voltage, your wire might be broke.
True but unless you have LT headers and the sensor is at the very far end, what is the difference? Past the sensor, you can pump in pure oxygen for all it cares. He has an L98 which has the sensor pretty close to the heads, relatively so unless he has a massive head to exhaust manifold leak, I don't think that is the issue.
Exhaust moves in pulses, so O2 can make its way inside a rusted/cracked pipe in odd ways, but you're right that location is important & will make the scenario more or less likely. I'd fix the leak wherever it is (generally quick & easy, and the neighbors appreciate it), then chase the trouble code.
OP. Please fill out your profile better so we know what year your car is and location. At this point, based on your 5 posts, you are an L98 which can be any year from 85 to 91. Your location is also very useful when we look at it since someone might be near you who has the tools or ability to come over and look at it in person.
What year, the LT1 has a bad habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds in the corners.
He has an L98 according to another post. I still feel it would be best to look at the ECM and see if it is getting any data from the sensor. If not, we might have a bad wire from the sensor to the ECM. At this point we are chasing ghosts
He has an L98 according to another post. I still feel it would be best to look at the ECM and see if it is getting any data from the sensor. If not, we might have a bad wire from the sensor to the ECM. At this point we are chasing ghosts
Thank you for your help! I found out there is exhaust leak. I replaced the oxygen sensor but the light is still on. The leak is from the joint in the middle of the exhaust pipe. There is some rusty thing going on there and I suppose it's because there are cracks. I will take picture of that part soon.
OP. Please fill out your profile better so we know what year your car is and location. At this point, based on your 5 posts, you are an L98 which can be any year from 85 to 91. Your location is also very useful when we look at it since someone might be near you who has the tools or ability to come over and look at it in person.
Thank you for your suggestion. I did edit my profile. Hopefully someone helpful like you will near my location.
What year, the LT1 has a bad habit of cracking the exhaust manifolds in the corners.
Mine is L98, 1989. I spotted some rusty things going on the joint part of the pipe(I don't know what it's called). I will take picture of that thing soon. Thank you
Exhaust moves in pulses, so O2 can make its way inside a rusted/cracked pipe in odd ways, but you're right that location is important & will make the scenario more or less likely. I'd fix the leak wherever it is (generally quick & easy, and the neighbors appreciate it), then chase the trouble code.
I smelled gasoline from the inside of the vehicle before I fixed another exhaust leak. I suppose there is some other exhaust leak from the joint part of the front (Unfortunately I don't know what it's called). I'm thinking of fixing that part with a soda can tonight.
what year, what side do you think the exhaust leak is coming from, and where in the exhaust do you think its leaking.
Mine is 1989 L89. I think it's from the front part of the joint that shows some rust and smoky spot but I don't know what the part is called. I will take some pictures today.
Exhaust leak allows unmetered oxygen to tamper with the O2 sensor's readings. If it's bad enough, it will force the ECM to remain in open loop, set the idiot light, and run rich. That's likely where your MPGs went--fix the leak & see where you stand.
If you have a jack & stands you can probably repair it yourself. Find the breach, take pics & head to the parts store. There are several types of bandages & putties available for the purpose; some will be easier to use than others based on where the problem is. Should be back on the road in <30min for <$10, unless the damage/rust is severe, or a gasket has failed.
I found out the gas cap on the valve cover is broken. I already replaced it but the issues persist. There is definitely exhaust leak I will be taking a picture of that today.
I found out the gas cap on the valve cover is broken. I already replaced it but the issues persist. There is definitely exhaust leak I will be taking a picture of that today.
Thank you for your help
sounds like u r making progress.
if you are under the car for any of this please please have multiple jack stands and blocks and redundancies.
i had a hole in the rear y pipe. this is what i did after sanding and grinding the hole back to fresh steel.
coated with jbweld, placed steel washer over hole, coated washer.
let sit for 24hrs. or u risk the exhaust pressure blowing through the jbweld. dont use the quickset.
been fine for a long time.
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Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Jun 6, 2016 at 01:09 PM.