Running with a broken pipe could cause a fire. Not a good thing. It also
affects the way the fuel, air, and exhaust play on one another, as well
as having an effect on the various sensors.

I had an 85 Vanagon with the 1.9L engine, and on a long trip from
Alaska, the same pipe broke Somewhere in Montana. I decided to run with
it broken all the way to Birmingham, AL. Damn noisy, but no other
problems. Fire concerned me though, all the way. I replaced the pipe
after reaching Alabama.

I have heard of others breaking a pipe on the 1.9L. Makes you wonder
what next!

John Rodgers
88GL Driver

Dave Nadeau wrote:

> 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