Exhaust: How to fix afternarket exhaust leaks!
07-31-2015, 08:23 AM
#1
How to fix afternarket exhaust leaks!
As im sure most of you are well aware, I have been chasing exhaust leaks for quite some time indeed. Ever since i ditched the stick catback its been leak here, leak there, leak who knows where, it kills the sound, increases vibration, makes me look and sound like a ricer and just kills the experience if driving in general.
The leaks on an aftermarket catback are usually at the clamp spots. Most of our catbacks (except those of you who were smart enough to replace the spots with vbands or just weld it all together) are smply one pipe pushing into another like a vacuum cleaner attachment, then a sleeve clamp goes over that connection and tightens down to hold it together. Its a solid design and it does allow room for adjustments in angles and such... However in my experience i know it allows for air leakage still.
Well i had an idea, tried it out, and this time, my idea works! Atleast for now
Go to the store and buy some of that ~$4 exhaust tape. Probably 2 packs.
This is best done on an exhaust that is still warm, so id say take your car to get it, then get her up on jacks and wait till she cools down a good bit - DISCLAIMER : Riceburner is not responsible for your hands melting.
Undo the clamps! All the way. Pry the clamp off if needed, or if space allows (my zzp catback doesnt except the middle joint) slide the clamp to the side of the connection a few inches.
Make sure the 2 sections are completely together and are angled correctly as to not hit your undercarriage.
Wrap that area in the tape, just one or two layers. Ensure the are no ripples.
Put the clamp back on!
Hooly crap what a difference!
My only other suggestion is to get the cat and first catback section welded together; or use a remflex gasket and have a hanger welded on the section to avoid it drooping down and causing leaks. I also covered this section in some of the tape but dont expect it to last forever.
Anyway, for anyone that has been dealing with this bull as long as i have... There is a decent and really cheap solution that doesnt require you to uninstall the whole catback.
Ps for pinhole leaks, that tiny little quicksteel thing they sell works well lol
The leaks on an aftermarket catback are usually at the clamp spots. Most of our catbacks (except those of you who were smart enough to replace the spots with vbands or just weld it all together) are smply one pipe pushing into another like a vacuum cleaner attachment, then a sleeve clamp goes over that connection and tightens down to hold it together. Its a solid design and it does allow room for adjustments in angles and such... However in my experience i know it allows for air leakage still.
Well i had an idea, tried it out, and this time, my idea works! Atleast for now
Go to the store and buy some of that ~$4 exhaust tape. Probably 2 packs.
This is best done on an exhaust that is still warm, so id say take your car to get it, then get her up on jacks and wait till she cools down a good bit - DISCLAIMER : Riceburner is not responsible for your hands melting.
Undo the clamps! All the way. Pry the clamp off if needed, or if space allows (my zzp catback doesnt except the middle joint) slide the clamp to the side of the connection a few inches.
Make sure the 2 sections are completely together and are angled correctly as to not hit your undercarriage.
Wrap that area in the tape, just one or two layers. Ensure the are no ripples.
Put the clamp back on!
Hooly crap what a difference!
My only other suggestion is to get the cat and first catback section welded together; or use a remflex gasket and have a hanger welded on the section to avoid it drooping down and causing leaks. I also covered this section in some of the tape but dont expect it to last forever.
Anyway, for anyone that has been dealing with this bull as long as i have... There is a decent and really cheap solution that doesnt require you to uninstall the whole catback.
Ps for pinhole leaks, that tiny little quicksteel thing they sell works well lol
07-31-2015, 09:31 AM
#2
we used good ol Aluminum foil instead of tape when we installed my zzp catback the first time and it has been leak free for over 2 years ... knock on wood.
You just fold it up so its about 1-2" wide and just wrap it around the tip of the pipe then clamp it down. Works like a charm.
You just fold it up so its about 1-2" wide and just wrap it around the tip of the pipe then clamp it down. Works like a charm.
07-31-2015, 09:36 AM
#4
aluminum foil eh? make sense. i liked this exhaust tape though because it's obviously thicker, has a good 'sealing factor' to it (its like duct tape but for exhaust lol) not to mention this was its purpose, just not to be used in this specific manner haha.
07-31-2015, 09:52 AM
#5
Painting coolant tanks... taping exhaust systems... what's next?!? lololololol
Glad it worked for you though.
::General disclaimer to all::
A good way to prevent exhaust leaks is to install the exhaust correctly. Never over tighten clamps as this deforms the piping, and causes leaks. Always torque to spec.
Run the exhaust through some thermal cycles, and re-torque clamps to spec. Always check the alignment of the piping, and adjust accordingly.
I've had my Corsa exhaust since 2010, and it has always been leak free.
Glad it worked for you though.
::General disclaimer to all::
A good way to prevent exhaust leaks is to install the exhaust correctly. Never over tighten clamps as this deforms the piping, and causes leaks. Always torque to spec.
Run the exhaust through some thermal cycles, and re-torque clamps to spec. Always check the alignment of the piping, and adjust accordingly.
I've had my Corsa exhaust since 2010, and it has always been leak free.
Last edited by Staged07SS; 07-31-2015 at 10:38 AM.
07-31-2015, 08:24 PM
#11
I have an idea..... Check your flanges BEFORE you put the exhaust on. 80% of the time I find flanges warped especially v bands. Then when you attempt to tighten them it distorts things.
If it's not flat take it to a shop with a belt sander or disk sander or mill and surface the flange to ensure they are flat and you will never have issues with leaks
If it's not flat take it to a shop with a belt sander or disk sander or mill and surface the flange to ensure they are flat and you will never have issues with leaks
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