Hello all,
Am new to this website and have a question that i am sure has been answered. Sorry. I seem to have an exhaust leak. Friend of mine is a mechanic and says it is the "Donut Valve". I am not too mechanically inclined however, i have alot of older friends who are. The vehicle is loud when i start it and accelerate. Wondering if someone can give me the listing of the parts i may need to fix this.
Many Thanks.
Daniel

 

Welcome!

Ask him if the flex pipe is what he is talking about...Ive never heard of a donut valve, but if it is the flex pipe, here ya go:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/how-repair-flex-pipe-31536/I should stress this is for the 2.2 or 2.4, not sure on your year


flex pipe can still be found on ebay, just be sure it has the correct style flange for your exhaust...It is kinda common on the HHRs for some reason...I replaced mine on my old HHR(hence the how to) at like 50,000 miles


Otherwise, it could be a hole in the exhaust, which a good welder can patch sometimes. I doubt the muffler is bad, but I can't tell you over the internet

 

This *should* be the right one....make sure thohttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-HHR-Cobalt-Saturn-Ion-Front-Flex-Section-Exhaust-Pipe-2-2-2-4-w-Gasket-/170885314748?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACobalt&hash=item27c98ef8bc&vxp=mtr

 

I have a 2008. Im not sure the difference between lt and the other. Thanks! I will look into it! I appreciate the response!!!

 

The ebay listing says itll fit your HHR

 

Flex pipe went out on my 2008 recently - it was fully covered under Chevy's federal emissions warranty, which is 7 years and I-don't-know-how-many miles.

Try your dealer - they may do the repair for free.

 

Probably referibg to the heat riser valve used on the old school cars, carburated, restricts exhaust in rt manifold to heat that side up and then captures the hot air and directs it to the air cleaner...aids in faster warm ups..usually sealed to manifold and exhaust pipe with 2 donut shaped gaskets that allow for movement while maintaining a tight seal. Most people h ate them as they are a pain to change..the bo l ts/nuts always rust together...we on the other hand, have a flat gasket on a flat flange. The flex pipe compensates for any movement. Because of this movement, heat, and age ,they crack. Just one of them look forward to things wih the newer cars.