<tinybirds@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1155524289.820602.4090@p79g2000cwp.googlegrou ps.com...
> Hey Guys,
> Here's the deal, am a girl and like to do minor repairs on my car.
> (such a high to get a problemed fixed myself), well, just noticed my
> muffler on my 88 CRX si has rusted out a rather large hole. So by
> taking a look underneathe, it appeared that 2 bolts needed to be
> removed and the muffler and the small pipe leading to the front of the
> car would just come off.
> Well I have been trying for a long time to get those 2 bolts off.
> Wasted a lot of liquid wrench on them to no avail.....when I noticed
> the bolts do not have threads on them.
>
> They have springs on the front of them and no threads on the back and
> are held on by 12 mm nuts. It's located right behind passenger side
> rear wheel, 2 pipes adjoin with an oval type gasket/connector thingy ma
> jig. What is this about? I am kind of annoyed at this point. It
> seemed like a simple 1,2, 3 job, but no.
>
> Anyway, can you seasoned Honda guys give some advice? Is it possible
> to get the muffler off easily or should I just take it to the shop.
> Man I hate doing that. I really like fixing it myself.
> Anyway, thanks so much.
> Oh my car is 1988 Honda CRX Si all stock. 5 spd, 139k miles, 1.6
> engine, red, black interior, sunroof, a small shopping car dent in the
> right fender.......
>
> Smiles,
> Annette
>
I confess, muffler work is something I take to a muffler shop. (I've been
lucky to live where I have recommendations to great shops.) The heat and
rust make the hardware really stubborn, and the pieces tend to rust/weld
themselves together also. Aargh!

However, it is possible if you are determined enough. Elle's advice will get
you through, but I'd like to add that leather gloves are very valuable when
working with the exhaust pieces. Cotton gloves are better than nothing. The
edges tend to be sharp.

Mike