Well, I started my trip on Friday from Phoenix to San Diego
with high hopes, some time by the ocean, all of that stuff.
About 45 minutes out, my soft exhaust note became noticeable
different.  The Connecting Pipe on my exhaust system ('84
1.9L) had broken in half.

I called a mechanic here in Phoenix and asked about running
the engine without the muffler and cat.  He said that it
wasn't the greatest thing to do, and I shouldn't run it this
way for long periods.  Based on that information, I returned
home.

My question is this:  what is so bad about running the
engine without back pressure?  Is it bad on the valves?  The
noise, of course, is much higher, and certainly illegal.
But what kind of damage might have been done, or might be
done to the engine?

Of course, my solution is to get the Connecting Pipe and
install it immediately, which I will do.  Thanks in advance
for any explanations!

Dave Nadeau
Phoenix, AZ
'84 Westy