How to Fix An Exhaust Leakage Without Welding
An exhaust leak can hamper the smooth functioning of your engine, leading to lousy fuel economy. Loud noises generally characterize these leaks. However, it can also illuminate your engine's check light or release toxic fumes in the cabin. Therefore, if you notice excessive corrosion in your exhaust pipes, then here's the sign for you to purchase a new one. But, if you have a small leak in your vehicle, then it is needless to incur unnecessary expenses. With the help of locally available materials, you will be able to fix any leakage without involving welding.
What materials would you require to fix the leakage?
There is no need to buy expensive materials to seal the leakage. You can purchase all the below-mentioned materials from your local store without breaking the bank:
- Sandpaper
- Hand gloves
- Soapy water
- Metal wire brush
- Putty
- Muffler bandage
- Exhaust band clamp
How to seal the leak?
Before fixing your exhaust pipe without welding, clean the area first to create a good bonding surface. Thus, consider using sandpaper or metal wire brush to remove any grease, dirt, or rust. Then, use a cloth to clean the surface of the areas you scrapped with isopropyl alcohol.
While there are four different methods to seal the leak, you can pick any of the following methods depending on the nature and size of the damage.
Apply an epoxy bond
If your exhaust leak is small, consider using an epoxy bond to seal the leakage. Stir the epoxy to mix it evenly before putting it on and around the hole. You can also use a wooden lath to spread the sealant in the affected area. However, always make sure to carefully read and follow the product's instructions to understand how long you should wait until it gets dry before starting the engine.
Wrap it with an exhaust pipe
An exhaust tape works as an ideal solution if your vehicle has a larger leakage. Make sure to wrap the tape around the hole, ensuring that it extends a few inches on either side. Then, cover the hole with a minimum of two layers of tape to ensure effective sealing. Again, different products have different working mechanisms, so carefully read the instructions to not miss out on anything.
Use an exhaust clamp
If your vehicle's whole or damage is not big enough, consider using an exhaust clamp. It involves a straightforward process that requires you to wrap the clamp around the hole, fix the bolts, and tighten them further to cover the gap; however, since the clamp is stainless steel, you can expect it to outlive the exhaust pipes.
Cover the hole with an aluminum patch
An aluminum patch can offer coverage to almost any hole size. Thus, once you determine the extent of the damage, use a pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut a slightly larger aluminum patch or as per the size of the leakage. Then, wrap it around the pipe to offer effective sealing to your exhaust pipes.
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