MarcDavidoff

He guys- It's been a while since I have posted here since I sold my '02 TL-S a couple years ago. Anyways, long story short- I have the opportunity to pick up a '96 2.5TL pretty cheap. The car is in very good shape- 1 owner. It has 163k miles on it and apparently has the cracked manifold issue. The owner brought it to a mechanic who diagnosed the cracked manifold. It did not sound it to me, but the car was warmed up when I drove it- I understand it is louder when cold. Anyways, from reading other posts, I figure it is still worth getting the car and getting it fixed if either I can find someone who can weld it, OR Acura may be willing to cover part of the cost.
So, I guess I have two questions- would it be easy to find someone to weld it? What do think the odds are of Acura covering a good chunk of the cost? It will fall just out of the 14yr/150k deal.

thanks for any input

bigwerm187

check the flex pipe and if its all torn up then start by replaceing that...

TexasHonda

It won't hurt to ask about Acura covering part of exhaust manifold replacement cost.

If you have to replace, I agree the flexpipe should be replaced also. Mine recently failed on my 1997 2.5 TL w/ similar mileage. I bought one on ebay for < $75. Installed and works fine. I did paint w/ HT paint for increased corrosion protection, since it was steel.

Welding is probably your best bet, or a used part (car-part.com). I would look at failed part and decide if any grinding, smoothing, or reinforcement of a used part is indicated.

Aftermarket manifolds may be an option.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-5-A...Q5fAccessories

good luck

bigwerm187

dam i needed one of thoes manifolds.. lol... cuz my manifold was also cracked and my flex pipe was ripped to shreds.. but what i did was that i welded it were is was cracked and that took care of the prolbem also replaced my flex pipe.. lol..

MarcDavidoff

Thanks for the replies. The rest of the exhaust was replaced 2 years ago and I believe the flex pipe as well, but I would have to check. The car seemed a bit sluggish too, probably because of the leak...I assume. I meant to mention it had a CEL for the O2 sensor. I called my local dealer with the VIN and of course they verified it was just out of time/mileage. They said I can bring it in and they would verify the manifold issue and then it was up to Acura corp if they would cover it or maybe part of it. I don't want to take the chance of buying it and bringing it in and then they tell me I am SOL. I guess my fall back would be to have it welded or purchase one and do it myself or have someone do it. Texashonda- Thanks for the ebay link BTW. I remember you from the Honda forums

MarcDavidoff

Update- Brought the car to the stealership and received the wonderful estimate of $2275. I almost fell over! What a joke. I asked what kind of goodwill might be available and they said way too far over on mileage. And that I have not brought my cars to them much in the past for work. Yeah- you wonder why at those prices? I called Acura corp and the same story eve though I currently own two Legends and the TL and have owned numerous Accords and other Acuras in the past. I then stopped by a performance muffler shop and they could not actually find the crack or feel where it was. They estimated $350 for removal/weld/install and gaskets. I guess this is my answer

Ken1997TL

Yeah, $350 is very reasonable. I'd just do that.

vas25tl

Mine cracked at 149,XXX. I didn't even know about the warranty until then. That was a VERY pleasant surprise.

mad brad

cracked 138k will have to weld it it sounds nasty drinks more fuel too mb

sanramon98

Is there an after market header that can accommodate the oxygen sensor and be legal for the 2.5 TL?