wrap flex tube for temp repair

[enotslim]

2004 XC70 with fairly noisy exhaust leak right at the junction between the flex tube and the solid tube running to the cat. Need temporary fix to pass next month's inspection while I plan a real fix for the spring. Do you think something like the wrap below might quiet things down enough to pass and last for 3-4 months? I read the disclaimer that this wrap is not designed to flex but it might suffice for awhile.

Design Engineering 010123 2" x 25' Pipe Wrap Kit with 4 Locking Ties - Titanium
https://www.designengineering.com/titan ... g-tie-kit/

Or how about a simple exhaust clamp perhaps with something between the clamp and flex tube?

[npexcept]

For that price you can get a used but working flex tube. If you know someone with a welder, cutting the old one out and welding the new one in is like 30 minutes of work.

I dont know much about inspection in the US, but here in germany this would never pass.
These heat wraps arent air tight, so it will still leak (but not as much).

[jonesg]

I used muffler cement, apply the night before inspection, it lasts a couple of days or more.

Spray the leak area with brake kleen first,
Use duct tape on the tail pipe to attach a vacuum cleaner hose to create vacuum in the exh system, that will suck the cement into the hole.

I have a new $44 flex pipe from Advance auto, it has the internal concertina liner which is far better than the $12 versions on Ebay.

Advance and NAPA can get a new downpipe with cat but it costs $900+, come spring I'll weld the new section in,
You'll need to drop the downpipe and make a jig before cutting the old one out to maintain the alignment.

[enotslim]

I used muffler cement, apply the night before inspection, it lasts a couple of days or more.
...

Do you think applying an exhaust clamp over the cement before it cures might prolong the life of this temporary fix? Not too tight. Just to support the cement and help it conform to the surfaces but not be distorted or crack when cured and hard. I would prefer warmer weather before doing it right.

[Blacklab467]

Interesting thread, I will have to do a permanent repair within the next year also. Please post photos and part numbers and suppliers of good flex pipes and the repairs you have done. I'm most nervous about the flange bolts snapping off when I try to remove them.

[MoVolvos]

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I wonder if plumber's aluminum tape would last. Since it's aluminum it shouldn't melt with exhaust heat. The adhesive will help with the wrapping but if it burns it should still leave the tape in place. The wrap that is shown by enotslim is an insulator / heat shield cloth rather than for sealing.

On our 08 C30 T5 we cut a strip of HVAC sheet metal to connect the exhaust pipe to the exhaust system we fabricated. Cut to size and wrap overlapping then clamps on each side. No problems and no exhaust leak noise although we are sure it's not a perfect seal. We being using this to connect the exhaust for quite a few year.
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viewtopic.php?p=548737&hilit=exhaust#p548737

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(www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Silver-ductwork ... 5146&psc=1)
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[jonesg]

Interesting thread, I will have to do a permanent repair within the next year also. Please post photos and part numbers and suppliers of good flex pipes and the repairs you have done. I'm most nervous about the flange bolts snapping off when I try to remove them.

o'reiley auto parts have the better flex pipes for $41.
Nickson 17944, Flex section is 8 inch but overall length is 12 inch which you cut down to fit.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/ni ... ic0/525008

its important to find one with the inner liner, the cheap single layer type don't last at all.
Order new copper nuts for the downpipe to manifold flange, 3 on mine. FCP and metal gasket.
Spray the threads, tighten slightly then loosen.

I had the upper flange off a few times when I rebuilt the turbo, it wasn't a problem, the place where you will find rust is the 2 bolt aft cat flange, mine was rotted out,
I cut the 2 bolts off and used a split coupler with 2 new gaskets and high temp (orange) sealant.

https://www.amazon.com/Exhaust-Flange- ... =8-2&th=1

[jonesg]

I used muffler cement, apply the night before inspection, it lasts a couple of days or more.
...

Do you think applying an exhaust clamp over the cement before it cures might prolong the life of this temporary fix? Not too tight. Just to support the cement and help it conform to the surfaces but not be distorted or crack when cured and hard. I would prefer warmer weather before doing it right.

ideally use something flexible, muffler cement sets rigid and will fall off, maybe high temp gasket sealant and cover it with duct tape or wrap.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81630- ... 32&sr=8-6

[enotslim]

The flex pipe connects to the inner aspects of flared "recepticles" on both ends. Can the flexible portion and its protective cover be removed, without cutting and removing the flared pipe up and down stream, and solder a new flex pipe in the same position into the same flared fittings? Seems like the least disruptive solution, although the replacement must be an exact fit in length and the interface to be soldered looks it might not be very accessible.

[jonesg]

the ends of the stainless wire flex section is crimped to the pipe.
It has to be welded, theres no room for clamps.