1997 Honda Civic failed smog check in california

1997 HONDA CIVIC
235,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DAKARI62
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
According to the mechanic after failing smog check:

"Removed catalytic converter heat shield and found crack running down the exhaust manifold causing more air to be processed by oxygen sensors, making car run leaner and hotter, recommend replacing catalytic converter and exhaust manifold assembly for car to pass."

My question: Can I have crack on the exhaust manifold welded? Will that allow me to pass the smog check?
The mechanic said that the catalytic converter was fine
Jun 25, 2015 at 5:15 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ED-WEEZY21
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 248 POSTS
Exhaust manifolds are extremely hard to weld. Ive had this same problem on this vehicle before where it cracked in between the 2 ports. Exhaust manifolds are made from cast iron and are a lot harder and thicker than the rest of the exhaust. The manifold is probably the second hottest part of the entire exhaust system and is always rapidly cooling and heating up which causes the metal to expand and contract which would completely destroy a weld. So my advice, is to replace the manifold. You can weld it for now as a bandaid to pass inspection but it will crack again where the weld is.
Jun 25, 2015 at 5:29 PM