What are symptoms of a cracked header?

[autobon7]

If your header is cracked I'm assuming it will be louder. Will it cause a rough/slight rough idle? Can you tell if running in park with the hood up? I had my cats replaced by an exhaust shop as my front cat was rusted at the seam and was getting loud and rattling a lot. The shop welded a split in the Y pipe as well. Now I;m getting loud and rattle when pulling away from stop but smooths out from 25ish up. Can't tell if it's the header, the big resonator (I guess that's what is behind the 2nd cat), or the little can looking muffler before the tip.

Oh and by the way, the shop cut both cats out and welded 1 cat in for $218 which I thought was pretty fair deal (no CEL). I just want to get rid of the rattles and vibration (forgot to mention that, is not terrible tho) and have a quiet exhaust again.

 

[autobon7]

Anybody ?

 

[guzzla]

Check to see if they've tightened up all the mounting brackets as that could be causing the rattling. Also, starting with a cold engine, lay underneath it and run your hand over the joins where the work has been done. You will find any leak pretty quickly. A welders glove is good insurance but the pipes shouldn't get too hot in the first couple of minutes.

 

[autobon7]

Check to see if they've tightened up all the mounting brackets as that could be causing the rattling. Also, starting with a cold engine, lay underneath it and run your hand over the joins where the work has been done. You will find any leak pretty quickly. A welders glove is good insurance but the pipes shouldn't get too hot in the first couple of minutes.

Would you know off hand what the torque specs are?

 

[guzzla]

Don't worry about that - just make sure they are all done up firmly.

 

[NKP Garage]

Sounds like something may be loose, heatshield, exhaust section, hanger, etc...?