High Tech Misfit wrote:

> Michael Pardee wrote:
>
>> I bet the loud exhaust note is loose hardware that is backing off. The most
>> likely location is at the collector flange, where the exhaust manifold
>> connects to the pipe. Since the exhaust work was just done, the mechanic
>> who did it should get first whack at making it right.
>
> Update: The exhaust note resulted from a pair of holes in what the mechanic
> referred to as a "front exhaust pipe". Not sure if this is the pipe you are
> referring to, but it's the one that extends from the cat toward the front of
> the car (this was not replaced when I had the muffler and cat replaced).
> This set me back another $220.
>
> Concerning the gas fumes, perhaps that was not fuel I saw on the ground
> yesterday because nothing is leaking from underneath now. But the fumes
> still remain.
>
> My father suggested to wait until next spring to get a newer car. Well, if
> another non-routine problem comes up between now and winter's end, I think
> that will be it. :-(

And talk about speaking too soon... the temperature slider on the climate
control panel is busted!!! But this is minor; I think the cable just needs
to be reattached to one end. Thankfully, it is stuck in the middle so it's
not too warm or cold.