Heat exch / rubber sleeve question

[widgeon13]

I have an 84 Carrera and took it out for post winter drive yesterday. Ran great but I did notice after the drive and giving her an undercarriage exam that the right rubber sleeve going from the muffler side of the heat exchanger to the heater plumbing(?) that the sleeve had slid off the heat exch. Is there any problem driving the car under this condition? I'm guessing no, but want to check with the experts on PPOT before I screw anything up.

I expect to loosen the muffler and reinstall the sleeve (as well as muffler support strap) at the first opportunity but may have to drive the car in the interim.

Thanks in advance for the guidance.

[teenerted1]

with all that soot above the connection looks like it has been loose for some time.

[widgeon13]

thanks for the feedback, I'm not sure where soot would come from. That plumbing conducts fresh air that is circulated back into the passenger compartment, that is my understanding. The exhaust system (heat exchanger) does not leak and heat worked fine 2 months ago. In fact it works well even the way the system is today.

The oil return tubes were replaced sometime ago and I believe the black stuff is mixture of oil and dirt as it comes off with a rag.

[Nine9six]

You're correct in loosening the muffler, prior to reinstalling your rubber sleeve. After loosening the muffler bands, your floor jack with a piece of wood will help with alignment, and allow you to cinch it all up properly.