Exhaust Exhaustrepairs
People know that the exhaust system transfers the highly poisonous exhaust gases from the engine, away from the vehicle, but not everyone is aware that those gases can be lethal. Anygas leaksthat find their way into the passenger compartment can be fatal to the occupants. Vitally, repairs carried out to an exhaust system must be gas tight. Wherever the exhaust problem is, there are ways to repair it.If the pipe has broken from the muffler, it will probably require welding. To do this, both will have to be removed from the vehicle and placed where it can be welded safely and easily. Never attempt to weld an exhaust pipe while it’s on the vehicle. The risk of fire is high, and not only from the gasoline tank.There are at least two methods of welding: gas welding, which involves acetylene and oxygen, and arc welding, which is an electrical welding method, using rods and an inert gas. Some skill, gained by experience, is required to carry out welding repairs.Begin by cleaning the joints on the muffler, using a wire brush. Unless rust and dirt free, the weld may not work.Suitable safety items are needed, shaded goggles to prevent “arc-eye,” strong gloves “cover-all,” to protect against splashes and sparks. A welding shield should also be used. While welding, look at around to ensure that a spark has not ignited anunseen fire. Welding the exhaust pipe to the muffler is one thing, making it gas tight is another.There are at least two methods for repairing a pitted or holed exhaust pipe. Either can be safely used while the exhaust is fitted to the vehicle, as no naked flames are present. Ideally, the vehicle should be worked on from underneath, while it is over an inspection pit in a workshop. In an emergency, the repair can be done while the vehicle is parked in the street.All of the flaky rusted metal should be removed, taking care not to enlarge any holes more than necessary.
One method is a repair bandage that, after being soaked in water, is unwound and carefully placed around the damaged area to about an inch or so either side. Some kits also include a sheet of “tinfoil” type material, which is then placed over the whole wet bandaged area. If included, wire can be used to secure the whole repair.When the repair stage is completed, run the engine very gently for about ten minutes, or as advised by the product maker. The heat from the exhaust will cause the bandage to set solid, enabling the car to be used again. Another method is a “putty” instead of a bandage. Use as instructed and again allow the engine to run gently to allow the heat to set the “putty.”If there is any doubt at all about the effectiveness of the repair afterwards, and gas is suspected inside the passenger compartment, the car should either be stopped straightaway, or continued on to a place of safety with at least two windows slightly opened. Remember, although you can smell the exhaust gas, you cannot actually smell the killer, Carbon monoxide.
