Yeah, this is off topic, well not completely because I am REPAIRING my car at HOME.
The flange rusted out on my Chevy engine where the pipe connects to the engine Exhaust manifold. First the flange rusted then the "donut" deteriorated. The pipe goes to the catalytic converter. Both the converter and pipe are still solid. The problem is that in order to get the flange onto the pipe, I must remove the pipe from the cat. converter. The nuts of the clamp came off easily and I removed the clamp. Now comes the problem. What is the best way, or should I say are there any tips or tricks to get the pipe out of the converter without damaging either of them? So far I applied PB Blaster and tried to do some hammering, but nothing moved. The clamp was not on seriously tight so there is not much deformation of the pieces.
However, I know that pounding real hard around the converter will damage the "guts" inside of it. I also dont want to damage that pipe. By theway, the pipe is only a little over a foot long, and is a 90deg. bend.
I have taken apart pipes and mufflers when one or the other is going to be replaced, by chopping out the broken piece, but this is a first. I want to save both, just get it apart to install the flange onto the pipe. Anyone know of any tricks?
Dont bother telling me to replace all the parts. I cant afford them, and I dont replace parts that are still good. I did and still am considering cutting the new flange in half, slipping the halves around the pipe, and welding them back together. That might be my only option, but I thought I'd ask if anyone has any other suggestions first.
(I have a stick welder, but not a cutting torch.)
Note: They do make some hinged type "split flanges", but none for this particular vehicle.
All help appreciated.
Mark