How to Patch Exhaust Leaks
Exhaust leaks are a nuisance for the noise they create as well a genuine hazard in terms of carbon monoxide leakage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even a small amount of carbon monoxide is dangerous and can impair both judgment and perception. Exhaust system pipes are of varying lengths, shapes and diameters depending on their particular application. When one or more of the exhaust pipes develop a leak, the pipes can be patched quickly and effectively by the vehicle or equipment owner in one hour with the proper equipment, tools and materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Wheel blocks
- Owner's manual
- Automobile jack
- 2 jack stands
- Flashlight
- 400-grit sandpaper
- Wire brush
- Exhaust pipe repair tape
- Tie wire, 36 inches
Instructions
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1
Block the rear wheels of the vehicle if raising it from the front or side. Block the front wheels if raising the rear of the vehicle. Make sure the car is on a solid surface such as concrete.
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2
Raise the vehicle following the jacking directions for the particular make and model as outlined in your vehicle's owner's manual.
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3
Place jack stands in position to support the weight of the vehicle. Make sure the jack stands are under solid framework.
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4
Lower the vehicle until it rests firmly on the jack stands. Leave the jack in position.
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5
Start the engine of the vehicle. Make sure that parking brakes have been applied and the gear selector is in "Park" or "Neutral."
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6
Inspect the exhaust piping for the location of the leak. The louder the noise is, the closer to the engine the leak will likely be. Use a flashlight, if necessary, to perform the inspection.
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7
Turn the engine off once the leak has been located.
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8
Clean the area of the pipe leak using 400-grit sandpaper. Heavy scale and corrosion can be removed with a wire brush.
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9
Start the engine. Allow it to run until the exhaust pipe is warm to the touch. Then turn it off.
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10
Remove the sealant backing from the pipe bandage following the manufacturer's specifications.
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11
Wrap the bandage around the pipe with the sealant side of the tape on the surface of the pipe. Overlap each turn 1/2 inch until all of the bandage has been applied.
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12
Wind the tie-wire around the patching tape several turns to prevent the tape from unwinding.
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13
Start the car and run the engine for the amount of time outlined in the manufacturer's instructions. The heat from the exhaust pipe will bond the patching tape to the pipe. Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
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14
Turn the engine off after running for the recommended time.
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15
Remove the tie wire from around the patching tape.
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16
Raise the vehicle until the weight is off the jack stands and remove the jack stands from underneath the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack.
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17
Remove the blocks from the wheels.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Patching an exhaust pipe with tape is a temporary repair. The faulty pipe should be replaced as soon as possible.
Do not allow anyone to sit in the vehicle while work is being done. Remove the keys from the ignition when the engine is not operating.
Always check and re-check wheel blocks and jack stands before performing work under the vehicle.
Always check and re-check transmission. Make sure it is in "Park" or "Neutral," and that the hand brake is firmly set.
Never run an engine in a closed garage or other building.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
