Technical Rusted muffler shell

[skidbarth]

I have a 2011 Abarth 500 with the original standard exhaust system - twin outlet, no Monza. The outer shell of the rear muffler box has some noticeable rust holes, but the muffler sounds the same, and there are no gas or water leaks from the rust holes.

I just consulted a "general" muffler shop, whose advice was "leave it - the outer shell doesn't really do anything". Further, it's not so bad it's going to completely fall apart any time soon.

Has anyone had similar problems and advice, or does this not sound right? Happy to leave it while it's structurally sound (replacing it will be a chunk of change, and am not after a louder/ free flow exhaust), just wondering if "do nothing" is a good approach. Over here (Melbourne) salt-on-roads is not a thing, so this won't accelerate rapidly.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ZaphodB]

Use some high temperature aerosol paint on it to slow it even further.
...and try not to do short journies in it to get it fully up to temperature each time.

 

[The Panda Nut]

These last quite a long time after they start to look very bad. Wait till it starts to blow, then change straight away to avoid breakdown and embarrasment!

 

[varesecrazy]

I have a 2011 Abarth 500 with the original standard exhaust system - twin outlet, no Monza. The outer shell of the rear muffler box has some noticeable rust holes, but the muffler sounds the same, and there are no gas or water leaks from the rust holes.

I just consulted a "general" muffler shop, whose advice was "leave it - the outer shell doesn't really do anything". Further, it's not so bad it's going to completely fall apart any time soon.

Has anyone had similar problems and advice, or does this not sound right? Happy to leave it while it's structurally sound (replacing it will be a chunk of change, and am not after a louder/ free flow exhaust), just wondering if "do nothing" is a good approach. Over here (Melbourne) salt-on-roads is not a thing, so this won't accelerate rapidly.

Thanks in advance!

The standard FIAT rear boxes have several layers of steel,
and "Peel like an Onion"

For tidyness you can lift the hanging layer..

But - at 14 years in service there will come a point it needs replacing

 

[RedAbarthMTA]

"They are all like that Sir"
I'm afraid that's the way it is