Exhaust pipe size

[mcbob]

My 1990 Continental has an exhaust leak inside the steel braided coupler that's behind the muffler. Rather than spending $150 bucks on the new coupler I'm planning on replacing it with a straight pipe but I don't know the pipe size. Does anyone know what size I should buy? Thank you.

[Steve Moran]

Welcome to Lincolns Online mcbob.

Even using regular flex pipe will be better then solid pipe, that flexable union is there so the engine can rock back and forth as the engine accelerates/decelerates.
a solid pipe will take its toll on the Y-pipe and or the exhaust manifold
If memory serves it is 2 1/4 inch.

[mcbob]

Thank you for your reply. Your right, I decided to look for one on ebay and found it for $50 bucks new. Any tips on loosening the bolts? After 16 years of heat and road abuse I guessing they'll be a little tight. Thanks.

[pro-five-oh]

Soak the bolts in PB Blaster...and make sure you have the car nice and high off the ground, safely of course. You'll need all the space you can get for leverage.