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Lost Tail Pipe

July 20, 2021, 04:03:56 pm

I did my pre-departure walk around this morning and saw my beautiful shiny tail pipe was long gone.  It disappeared somewhere between Missoula and Bozeman.  Checking the security of the chrome tail pipe was not a regular part of my walk around.  It will be in the future. 

The clamp that I see at the end of the existing pipe appears only to hold the hanger and not to clamp the tail pipe.  I think the tail pipe was welded on.  Is that the case?

Richard

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Re: Lost Tail Pipe

Reply #1 – July 20, 2021, 05:02:43 pm

Given that the slip fit piece over the pipe coming from the engine has the slits (to allow it to expand to go over another pipe) and is then clamped, I think you are looking at the end of your chrome tip which has broken and fallen off.  Loosen the clamp and the outside piece looks like it will slide off, as it was part of the tip previously. 

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Reply #2 – July 20, 2021, 05:05:28 pm

And, replace it before driving or the hot exhaust could really cook the fiberglass behind it.

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Reply #3 – July 20, 2021, 06:17:11 pm

Been there, done that.    I was having some repair done about 4 years ago and the tech said, "What do you want to do with that tail light?"

The exhaust had gone up inside the rear cap and melted the tail light.  Sorry no picture but it looked like a Salvador Dali painting.

salvador dali - Google Search

It turns out there was a u-pick-it lot close by and they had a Ford Expedition with its tail lights ready for me.

I of course was lucky nothing else was damaged.

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Reply #4 – July 20, 2021, 06:40:33 pm

J & R did you open your engine cover and look inside behind the taillight to make sure none of the split loom, or wiring or anything else is melted?  If no heat damage you're lucky.

Dodged A Bullet On I-84 In New Yawk

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Reply #5 – July 20, 2021, 07:15:23 pm

If you have a 20+ vintage coach check your exhaust real close. 2 years ago I found the muffler cracked and the exhaust pipe at the muffler and chrome tip nearly rusted through. The bottom side looked good all the rust was on the top, not easy to see.

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Reply #6 – July 20, 2021, 08:27:19 pm

Thanks for all the responses.  I have not had a chance yet to check the tail light area but driving most of the day without the exhaust tip has already started to bake my paint.  I have found a local muffler shop that is going to get a new tip on tomorrow so we can continue our travels. 

Richard

Edit:  I checked and sure enough the wiring to the brake/tail light was beginning to melt.  Thankfully I caught it when I did.  The plastic outer loom had partially melted, as had a couple of zip ties.  But none of the insulation on the wires seems compromised. 

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