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cheap fix for holes in exhaust

yob_yeknom

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Year, Model & Trim Level
'97 XLT & '06 Limited
While wheeling at Paragon, I got a rock stuck between my catylic convertors and torsion bar. It took a lot of work to get me off the rock and put a hole in the exhaust somewhere during the process.

I haven't looked for the leaks yet, but I can hear them. Not too loud, so it doesn't sound like something serious. What could I use to fix the holes? Would JBWeld work?

Also, what's a good way to find the leaks? I don't see them just from looking.
 



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It should develop some black streaking where the holes are and, of course, the holes should produce extra noise.

For a real cheap, temporary fix, you can get some tailpipe, or muffler, tape. Just wrap it on. Of course, it won't pass inspection or anything like that, but it will get it to sound "right" again.

When you are ready to put just a little money in it, stop by a "good" muffler shop. They should be able to either weld the holes solid, or cut out the bad section and weld in a coupler for a minimal of cost.

Good luck,

Robb
 






Morrisey's got it all wrong. The best way to fix it is to take a folgers can, cut it in half, get some hose clamps and strap away. :D
 






I'd get it "professionally" fixed, preferably with some new tubing.
 






If the pipe isn't crushed, a shop should be able to spot weld the hole shut. If it is crushed, they can cut out the crushed section and put a new piece in pretty cheap.
 






Problem is, I'm pretty sure the hole(s) is in one or both of the converters.

How do I remove the heat shields to check?

Oh yeah, I have no job, so I'm kinda looking for a 'free' fix.
 






unbolt the exhaust from the headers back. It will only cost you some sweat and maybe some skin off the knuckles.
 






And then my life when I die from CO poisoning. :rolleyes:
 






If you are wanting a free fix, then 98FordX24's suggestion of the Folgers can in half, and some hose clamps would actually work best for you. Just don't leave the can whole, as a fart pipe.....:)
 






its not a free fix but if it is your cat I saw a universal high flow at the summit site for $40. The way I see it is, if its broken might as well upgrade. but jb weld will work for now.
 






Originally posted by yob_yeknom


What could I use to fix the holes? Would JBWeld work?

.

JB weld is good stuff, but most epoxies can only withstand about 280 deg C or about 530 deg F. Your catalytic converter will get hotter than this.
 






whatever the fix is, it needs to be able to withstand at least 1400 degrees.
 






this might work

Super High-Temperature Metal-Filled Putties
     Seal cracks, holes, and pits in cast aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel exposed to extremely high temperatures. After reaching full strength it's machinable and is able to conduct heat. It has good resistance to abrasives, fuel, oil, and solvents. Color is light gray. Reaches full bonding strength in 24 hrs.
     Cast Aluminum— Aluminum-filled thick putty. Small kit includes 8 oz. of powder and 4 oz. of liquid. Large kit includes 1 pint of powder and  1/2 pint of liquid. Mix ratio is 2:1. Begins to harden in 2-4 mins.
     Cast Iron and Stainless Steel— Ceramic- and stainless steel-filled flowable putty. Begins to harden in 5-7 mins. Comes premixed. 8-oz. size includes 4 oz. of thinner.

Cast Iron and Stainless Steel
8-oz. 2000°F
 7356A33  26.36 

http://www.mcmaster.com

I'd try to find the money to fix it right though.
 






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