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I drive a 1986 Volvo 240DL with 75 K miles. After having my brakes done at Swedish Motors in LA, I asked the mechanic/owner if he would eyeball and tell me if he saw anything in need of address. He said that the only thing he could see was that the tailpipe was bent in sufficiently so that it might or would reduce gas mileage.
A new tailpipe is not that expensive, $14 or so, on-line, and I could find someone to cut the existing one and clamp or otherwise attach this one for not too much money.
I just passed a tough California test only emissions test with a new car rating.
I drive around with no seeming problem with the tailpipe. But I could be getting better gas mileage than I am and not know it.
The tailpipe was replaced with the exhaust system 4 years ago, when I was on the road, at an independent mechanic shop, but supposedly with Volvo parts. It is observably over bent at one of the bends in the “S”. But one would not seem to notice it without being directed to look.
My question is – does the above replacement of the tailpipe sound like, in principle, a needful action ?
Would it seem that my possible savings in gas would outweigh the costs of replacement ? Are there other factors regarding the engine’s health that I am not observing regarding this tailpipe element ?
Thanks,
Jerry
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