Flex pipe

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 06 Oct 2022, 09:23

I'm pretty sure my flex pipe is broken - a bit noisy under the footwell. Is there a something to look for to confirm?
Thanks

Post by **jonesg** » 06 Oct 2022, 15:10

azureblue wrote: ↑06 Oct 2022, 09:23 I'm pretty sure my flex pipe is broken - a bit noisy under the footwell. Is there a something to look for to confirm?
Thanks

i blocked the tail pipe with duct tape and poked an air nozzle through the tape, seal the nozzle with more duct tape,
jack the car up, on jack stands, spray soapy water on all the joints, the most suspect is the flange after the cat.
Test the top flex pipe joint from the engine bay , feel around the joint.
This better than running the car as everything stays cold.

Also spray around the mounting bracket on the cat converter.

I'll be welding a new flex pipe onto mine next spring. Its important to build a jig before cutting the section out otherwise you'll be guessing at the alignment of the system.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Oct 2022, 08:32

Converters from Bear River In Utah make exhaust work bolt on if you don’t weld

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 08 Oct 2022, 09:01

Thanks - The local parts yard cuts all the cats for the cars coming in, so I may be able to get a flex pipe from a donor.

Post by **jonesg** » 08 Oct 2022, 10:05

azureblue wrote: ↑08 Oct 2022, 09:01 Thanks - The local parts yard cuts all the cats for the cars coming in, so I may be able to get a flex pipe from a donor.

high quality walker flex pipe with accordion inner sheathe are less than $30.
Don't bother with the cheapo $15 versions from ebay, they don't last.
i've researched this, talked to a napa garage mechanic and he said he went through a bunch other versions of the flex and they fail before 2 years unless they have that inner liner.

Theres only 1 inch of space from the top of the flex to the O2 sensor, getting a clamp in that section would be difficult and prone to rust.
I bought a cheap mig welder and have been practicing on scrap exhaust pipes doing butt joints mostly.
I think I've gotten the hang of it after welding over 6 feet of pipe cut into 3 inch sections and but welded back again.

The short section in the vice was done last night, I'm confident it will do the trick.

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