HOW TO FIX AN EXHAUST LEAK WITHOUT WELDING?
The exhaust pipe is a part of the car exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system mainly includes the exhaust manifold, the exhaust pipe and the exhaust muffler. Generally, the catalytic converter for controlling the emission of pollutants from the engine is also installed in the car exhaust system. The exhaust system is aimed to reduce vibration and noise. What is more, it is very convenient to install and it can extend the life of car exhaust system. It is mainly used for light vehicles, mini vehicles and passenger cars, the main material of its structure is stainless steel.
In most cases, when there is a leak in the exhaust pipe, the gas will leak from the damaged are during the intake and exhaust of gases once the car is started, resulting in vibration and noise. In such cases, the exhaust pipes need to be checked and replaced to avoid noise.
Therefore, we are going to talk about how to fix an exhaust leak without welding.
Way to Check the Leak of the Exhaust Pipe
One of the common ways of detecting an exhaust leak is by listening to the sound carefully. When the vehicle’s engine is idling, we should check the level of sound. If the sounds become much louder than before, we should be careful about that. Generally, it may take us about 20 minutes to self-diagnose the leak. What is more, we’d better ask someone else to rev the engine intermittently during this inspection to make the change in the exhaust sound more clear. Also, we should remember that it takes patience to find out the damage.
Usually, car exhaust systems discharge air from their holes. According to that, we can detect the discharging hole by a close contact with palm around the exhaust pipe. However, never put our palm or any skin on the hot surface of the pipe. Also, during any inspection which requires the starting of our vehicles, we must ensure that the emergency brakes are on before going under the vehicle.
In some cases, the leakage of the pipe can left without dealing with. It is because that when leakages come from small holes or damages, the expansion of metals often seals these leaks with heat.
Kits Needed for the Repair of the Exhaust Pipe
We can get the repair kits from local stores, which include the exhaust epoxy bonds, muffler clamps, rust converter, spacer pipes, and adapters. Furthermore, we need tapes, U-bolts, sandpaper, and pipe expander tool. It is important to ensure the right dimensions of adapters which are between 4 to 6 inches.
Steps of Fixing the Leak of the Exhaust Pipe
For example, we can close a hole in the exhaust surfaces with special sealants.
1. We must take a purchase of high-quality products and make sure that the affected surface is clean and smooth.
2. We can use a wire brush to clean the spots of rust, mud, and dirt. After scrubbing these spots with Isopropyl Alcohol (Acetone), we can seal the cracks with epoxy bond and place a patch on the putty.
3. Before the applying the epoxy bond to the leak, the epoxy bond should be mixed completely. Also, we should dab the epoxy bond over the leak with a flexible plastic material or special applicators, which can help to achieve an even spread around the leak area.
4. Finally, we should warp the area around the tube with the exhaust tape sufficiently when the the exhaust tube is warm before sealing.
These are other ways to fix an exhaust leak without welding, which is convenient and financial, such as changing the gasket.
