Cool. It's nice it was a "simple" problem. I always like to read the
solution to folks' problems, so I can learn.

Ok, experts: why does a leak cause increased HCs? I'd imagine it has to do
with decreased backpressure.

I'll file this one away for future reference!

Jon

On Sat, 17 Feb 2007, Mike Frost wrote:

> I found a nice big crack in the exhaust just outside cylinder two. It was
> about 1.5 inches long and wrapped almost halfway around the pipe.
>
> Our emissions test stations close at 1:00PM on Saturday so I had to come up
> with a quick and dirty fix to see if I could pass. I picked up a "muffler
> bandage" (cringe!) for about $3.00. As per the instructions, I cleaned the
> affected area and wrapped it with the bandage, adding the included wire that
> holds the thing in place while it is curing. The drive to the test station
> was just about the right length to meet the instructions for the bandage.
>
> I pulled into the emissions place at 12:55PM and ignored the glare from the
> guy at the gate. Lo and behold, my HC was down to 125 (was 225) and CO was
> down to 0.09% (was 1.5%). So the leak was definitely the root cause. I
> managed to avoid opening the AFM for now.
>
> The crossover pipe will be replaced as soon as I can afford it, I plan to
> just swap out the whole system in front of the cat converter since that and
> the muffler have been recently replaced. Man, those pipes are expensive!
> And, the parts jobber told me they can't get it anymore, he sent me to the
> VW dealer. Original parts for the exhaust may be drying up, although I see
> that Van Cafe has what I need.
>
> Thanks once again to everyone who pitched in to help me on this one.
>
>
> Mike Frost
> 86 Vanagon GL "WasserLeaker" aka "Completely Exhausting"
>