Everyone, I have a 2001 gle automatic with 145000. Car is rock solid and have done routine maintenance since owning with 30,000 miles. I have an original stock muffler system that is now giving me a "hole in the muffler sound" up near the engine. It only does this upon acceleration when cold. Once car is warmed up no sound or at idle. Is this my pre-cat going bad? No CEL currently. I know the muffler system is going to need some help soon....Any thoughts?

 

paulpearl

My only thought would be check your muffler first. If that isnt the case, check out the rest of your exhaust system for leaks and replace that component as needed.

I am in the same boat with the symptoms you described and I wasnt sure it was the muffler at first, but after some spring cleaning its definately the muffler. The whole entire side of it is open.

 

If it was a hole in your precat, it would be overwhelmingly loud, which you claim its not. Check all of your flanges, they are prone to crack and leak. Many, including myself have had the last flange on the catback break open. Have somone rev the car while you take a look under it. You should be able to find the leak right away.