New fuel filter

Probably the original

While the car was in the garage getting exhaust work done, I figured why not change the fuel filter as well?  While I was at it, I ripped apart the old one to check its dirtiness -- turns out it was plenty dirty, but I'm not sure if a clean filter will make a difference in the overall operation of the car.

As the filter does its job, what it catches will reduce the flow rate through the filter, meaning the pump will need to work harder to provide the same amount of fuel as a clean filter, or the car will have figure out how to run with less gas that expected; in practice, both are probably happening.

Flex pipe fun - pt2

Rusted flex pipe

The exhaust project breaks down into two parts: 1) out with the old and then 2) in with the new.  After a struggle removing the old part, installation of the new piping was a snap.

Because I had cut away some of the connecting surfaces, there was a little more work than just twisting the nuts/bots the opposite direction and calling the job done.

Here's what I needed to do:

1.  Replace the flange to the cat converter on the back end-of the y-pipe.
2. Attach the fronts of the y-pipe to the existing plumbing.

Let's get to work!

Flex pipe fun - pt1

It's been a while since my last dispatch.  The Freestyle hasn't been on the road for the last six weeks due the following:

1. The exhaust was leaking, this needed to be fixed for PA state inspection
2. Things have been nuts on the home front, preventing me from tackling item #1
• Christmas!  I took some time to bake cookies (from the excellent Christmas Cookie Book from J. Knipe and a few of my own concoctions I stash in the front material)
• Some work travel
• Other stuff, I won't bore the reader. 

Now, things have calmed-down, giving me time to address item #1 on the list, that pesky exhaust leak resulting in the car sounding loud enough to attract onlookers.  I'm not a fan of exhaust work.  Yes, it's basically plumbing for air; it just seems to be the collector of all things rusty and stubborn -- as proven by this job.