No need to if you have a cut off wheel. Split the nuts and the springs do the rest. If the springs don't pop the bolt out then a whack of a hammer will. I have done hundreds of these, and although they are getting older and not seen as much at the shop, the process is still the same. By no means expect to ever be able to unbolt and exhaust system of an older Accord.

 

You mean following through the with the installation of one of those buzz kits (if even available) is what I might just as well have a shop take care of? Or you mean just messing around and hassling with the exhaust repair (whatever it's gonna entail otherwise) in general would probably be worth having a shop do because of the difficulty/hassle most likely involved?
I definitely get your point about the rusted nuts, and the "battles". Fought those battles before, no fun for sure. Big PIA. Maybe I'll have a reputable shop take a look anyway. They'll probably end up recommending a complete replacement of everything. Not just a donut.

 

The "buzz kits" are/were generally for the 5th gen's....so for the OP, don't worry about it.

As you already stated, you're going to have to get under there and find the source and then plan the attack.

Once you have the car in the air, be safe. If the car/engine/pipes are cold you can start it and run your hand along the pipes to feel for the leak......as it starts to heat up a wet/damp rag will be needed.

I think the general statements are: working on old exhaust always brings more fun than what you think....rusted/old nuts, bolts, pipes, things get fun. Last exhaust work I did (95 EX), the mid pipe behind cat was bad. Getting the nuts off where it bolted to the cat....well lets just say that was a two hour adventure laying on the driveway

 

I do have a cut-off wheel. I'll remember to have it handy when/if I I get to that point where I could use it under there to deal with the rusted nuts. Good tip, thanks Turtlehead.

 

Poorman212, thanks for comments.

^Good to hear. No weird "buzz kit" for me to even worry about then. Whew!

^Yeah that idea has been crossing my mind, over and over. Might just have to get under there. And plan too.

^I'll pay attention to what I'm doing and be safe about things. No need to rush or take any stupid risks that's for sure.

^I'm thinking (hoping) once I can get the car safely set up off off the ground where I can work/maneuver then it might not be so bad. For me that's half the battle. And I do have a cut-off wheel for the rusted nuts (per turtleheads advice).

^Sounds like almost as much fun as I had laying in the driveway fighting with my block coolant plug drain recently. Ah the memories.

 

Still thinking about getting under there and taking a good look. Meanwhile though, just thought I'd inquire for a few comments here in regard to if I don't happen to get around to making the exhaust repair for a while, what kind of further damage/issues might be expected if I keep putting it off? The leak noise does bug me when I drive around because I know it needs to be fixed, although it's not like a loud broken muffler or something that causes that kind of excessive noise. Do such exhaust leaks do something like reduce back pressure or something, which probably affects engine performance/power adversely and makes you burn more gas? Anything much more significant than that to worry about, for now? I know I need to get it fixed, and will, hopefully soon. But just askin...

 

Principal hazard is possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust fumes being pulled into cabin. Depending on location of leak this may or may not be an issue, but it is possible.

good luck

 

That aside, what other mechanical type issues could eventually develop if leak left as is until I get my lazy self to take care of it. Much? It's just a grocery-getter get-from-here-to-there, small-town short-distance driver.

 

Just me but if the "leak" is post cat.......you'll be fine.

 

Cool. Good to hear. Thanks poorman. If no apparent "emergency" then gives me more time for adequate "planning" to fix. Don't wanna rush these things if I can help it.