Cheapest and the best way to repair exhaust leak

[ST2008]

Hi all,

The exhaust pipe of my beater is starting to leak. The hole is located few inches near the flange of the muffler pipe. I usually replace myself the whole pipe when it starts to leak. But since I don't think the car is able to last for another two years, so this time I plan to just make some "quick" fix until it goes south. I already tried some repair kits in the past. But they don't last. It started to leak again after one or two months because heat cycles and vibrations. So if you have a positive experience with some exhaust repair kits or repair methods with positive results, please share .

 

[Astro14]

What is the make, model, and year of your beater?

We have a guy on here who has installed used exhaust systems on cars he flips…but I’m not a fan of that option.

 

[dishdude]

Cut a soup can down the side and wrap it around the pipe. Secure with some hose clamps lol

 

[ctechbob]

Cut a soup can down the side and wrap it around the pipe. Secure with some hose clamps lol

View attachment 203252

Put some exhaust pipe wrap underneath it. Seems to me that would almost be a 'legitimate' bodge-fix.

Remember, its only temporary, unless it works.

 

[ST2008]

What is the make, model, and year of your beater?

We have a guy on here who has installed used exhaust systems on cars he flips…but I’m not a fan of that option.

It's an Honda Civic 1999.

 

[spasm3]

Find an independent muffler shop, not a chain shop.
Explain exactly what you want. They can probably weld in a section for not too much.

 

[AZjeff]

^ That can fix would be the cheapest. The best would be to replace the leaking pipe. The 2 seldom go together.

 

[Rmay635703]

Put some exhaust pipe wrap underneath it. Seems to me that would almost be a 'legitimate' bodge-fix.

Remember, its only temporary, unless it works.

My fathers 1982 diesel suburban muffler and exhaust was almost 100% soup cans until the manifold broke off, lasted 80,000 miles

 

[ST2008]

Cut a soup can down the side and wrap it around the pipe. Secure with some hose clamps lol

View attachment 203252

This is actually a great idea!! I will try this for sure since I already have all these on hand. I probably add some glass wools for better sealing.

 

[RooflessVW]

It's an Honda Civic 1999.

You can get a whole Chinese catback on eBay for $100.

And it'll make the car more appealing to the next owner

 

[SC Maintenance]

I don't see any patch lasting 2 years unless you drive it once a month.

@RooflessVW has the right idea.

 

[CKN]

I want a cheap fix so that I am not breathing poisonous fumes.....OK....sure.

 

[atikovi]

Not sure what this type of clamp it called that is used to join 2 pipes of the same size, but if you cut the pipe where it's rusted and slip this in there, it should last for a few years.

 

[BHopkins]

It sounds like you have already tried the kits, but many, many years ago when I was poor and cheap (ok, I'm still cheap), I have used the exhaust repair tape with good success. The key is surface prep. Put it on a muffler covered in rust and 200,000 miles of road dirt, and none of the repairs are going to work.

Clean the area to be repaired of all rust and dirt. Then clean it with some alcohol, or some other solvent type cleaner. Then apply the exhaust repair tape. And let it fully cure per the instructions.

 

[ST2008]

I want a cheap fix so that I am not breathing poisonous fumes.....OK....sure.

The hole is located in the rear, near the muffler. The manifold and the front pipe are still in a good shape. So I'm OK with the fumes

 

[ST2008]

Not sure what this type of clamp it called that is used to join 2 pipes of the same size, but if you cut the pipe where it's rusted and slip this in there, it should last for a few years.

View attachment 203254

What kind the black stuff in the picture? I don't think it's a tar because it's too hot to be used.

 

[atikovi]

What kind the black stuff in the picture? I don't think it's a tar because it's too hot to be used.

Not that particular brand, but exhaust system assembly paste.

 

[ST2008]

Not that particular brand, but exhaust system assembly paste.

Great! thanks!

 

[Nick1994]

If you're wanting it to work more than a couple months, probably best to go to an exhaust shop on the bad side of town and tell them to put the cheapest thing they got on there.

But RockAuto/eBay/Amazon should have something that fits for cheap, that car has a ton of aftermarket support. Not like trying to get these parts for an Oldsmobile Firenza

 

[eljefino]

Might be worth visiting your local auto parts store to see if you can get a foot of exhaust pipe and two clamps. Sawzall the old pipe, saving enough of a nub to slip the new pipe over, and clamp both ends down.

If it turns out the muffler itself is shot, you can get a universal "Thrush Turbo" from Advance Auto for cheap after coupons.