hey guys, please just here me out on this one. i know this honda tech but one of my buddies has a dodge avenger and his flex pipe is SHOT. i have never had a problem with this on any of my hondas so idk what to suggest. it is $150 for a new one so he really doesnt want to spend that much. is there a way to fix a broken flex pipe? or do you just have to man up and spend the rediculous ammount of money?

 

No.
Even replacing it with a piece of pipe won't work either. It will just start breaking elsewhere.
Pony up and do it right.

P

 

Go to advance auto and buy a piece of "flex pipe." You can get a section of flex pipe about a foot long for real cheap. Buy the right diameter of pipe, then cut it to the length needed. Buy 2 exhaust band clamps, which are about 10 bucks from napa, and simple splice in the new section of flex pipe with clamps at both ends. Use the band clamps because they will seal the connection points. Also, I would recommend painting the new flex pipe with high temp paint to prevent rusting. The pipes are cheap and easily rust, but a 5 dollar can of paint from advance auto will prevent rusting.

 

I'm starting a pool on how long the flex pipe repair will last.
any interest?

 

in NY wheres he at....no longer then the winter...or first major snow storm

 

i hope you realize those pipes are for further back on the exhaust system were there is not going to be much pressure, perhaps near the muffler.

if you put it at the header, it will leak from the start, its not exactly to withstand the temp and pressure that close to the header.

 

If he doesn't want to spend the extra money for the correct replacement pipe, this repair would be just fine. If you don't expect the car to last too much longer, if it's a beater, if you're selling it in the near future, or if you just don't want to spend the money, this repair will work just fine, at least for awhile. There's no doubt that a factory replacement pipe would last a hell of a lot longer, there's no arguing that. You get what you pay for. If you spray some high temp primer, and then apply a few coats of high temp paint, it will definitely make the pipe last longer. That's the shortcut, just take everything into consideration when you choose what level of quality your repair needs to be.

 

you are not hearing me. that kind of "flex pipe" is not going to make any sort of a seal, and you might as well just leave the leaking old one. it is just not meant to sustain the kind of exhuast pressure and heat that is experience at the header area.

it will leak right off the bat beacuse the spirals don't form that great of a seal.

 

This has gone on long enough over an "I've got a friend" thread.

Your "Friend" has several options. All spelled out in exquisite detail.
Please pick one.
And consider another: coerce a salvage yard to find a used one - if "he's" on such a budget

P

 

I bought a piece of 10" flex, put a slight flare on it, welded it in place and it lasted over 2yrs of daily driving, including Canadian winters. I likely spent three times more time at fixing it instead of dropping the $100 to fix it right, but was kinda broke at the time.
But if its just a dooryard fix without the right tools, I would say about 3 months!

 

mine is shot too, but i just want the stock one to pass inspection then i can put the other one back on, do you think the muffler repair tape stuff would work? i got a package i'm just waiting to give it a try

 

the only way to fix something is to fix it right ... otherwise you'll have bigger problems in the future ... period ... otherwise he should go ask our friend "mickey mouse" over in disneyland for suggestions for a quick fix

 

P_Adams, why would i be a member of HONDA TECH if i drove a dodge avenger? you, of all people should know i drive a accord because you respond to almost all of my posts. anyway if it was my car i would spend the money and buy one from the dealer beacuse his car only has 100,000 miles on it and is in good shape, plus i like doing thing the right way. just trying to help a friend out. didint know it was a big deal to ask a question on a TECH forum......my bad

 

hey man i didnt feel like reading all of the replys after the second one about flex pipe so i dont know if this was suggested...

but for your bud with the avenger the flex section in the stock exhaust CAN be replaced by itself...

they are available at any parts store up to like 2-21/4 inch, and summit racing sells em up to like 3 or 4 inch. they can be welded or clamped(eh...id weld haha).

hope thats of some use to your buddy man. avoid flex pipe at all costs. and spending money on pricey pre bent exhaust pieces.

 

http://www.napaonline.com/NOLP...46397#

heres a link to what napa has available, im sure any other parts store has em available too. hope this was helpful... i gotta say that i dont mind one bit passing along any tips to a fellow car guy... even if for a buddy of his.

most car guys i know are the best, nicest group of people you could ever meet.

hope our culture stays this way guys

 

thanks man. ill send him the link. and all i can say is im really supprised that i didint get blasted for asking a question about a dodge lol.

 

That's why I referenced the "My Friend" portion of your original post. I know full well that your ride is an Accord.
the fact that he operated an Avenger wouldn't have precluded his posting here. His question was so generic that he wouldn't have needed to mention what car he was discussing.

The short of it: regardless of who(m) asks the question; it's a bad idea. Besides that, even if he sells it - the car will (Most likely) be safety inspected by whomever buys it. (It wouldn't pass)

'nuf said

P

 

sry i asked a TECH question on a TECH forum