Not only the level of toxicity of the exhaust, but also its sound quality depends on the serviceability of the exhaust system. Some are engaged in tuning this system immediately after buying a car, while others have been operating it for years without changes. But sooner or later, the resource of the silencer (one of the main components of the system) comes to an end. Of course, the best option is a replacement. But what if you are on the way and the necessary spare part is simply not available? A bandage bandage for repairing a muffler comes to the rescue. What is it, we learn in our article today.
Purpose and characteristics
The exhaust system of any car works in very difficult conditions. All its elements (including the silencer) are exposed to thermal loads, vibrations and environmental influences - road reagents, water, etc. As a result, part of the body begins to rot. It happens in different places. The pipe itself and the "bank" are rotting. But most often these are the junction of the pipe with the silencer. It is this section that is loaded the most. As an alternative to repair, some choose welding. But to restore an already decayed area is very difficult - except for cracks formed after a mechanical shock.
The silencer repair tape is an elastic material with adhesive. It is applied to cracks, holes and other damages to the exhaust system. Silencer repair tape tightly covers the deformed area and prevents spontaneous release of gases. Reviews positively characterize products from Abro. This tool performs several functions:
- Seals leaking areas (cracks, holes) in the muffler.
- Enhances corrosion damaged joints.
- Prevents further breakdowns and deformations of the muffler.
Also this tape is called "bandage".
It tightly closes the damaged area and strengthens the pipe or silencer. This is a universal tool that provides high adhesion not only with steel and aluminum, but also with different types of plastics.
Design, specifications
The high temperature muffler repair tape has an adhesive layer on one side. The bandage itself is very elastic. The tape is about 1 meter long and 5 centimeters wide. It can be made of several materials:
- Fiberglass. Such tapes are characterized by high strength and temperature resistance. Withstand heating up to 420 degrees Celsius.
- Ceramics. This is a reinforced bandage. Reviews say that ceramic tape for repairing a muffler is better than fiberglass. The material does not lose its strength at a temperature of 650 or more degrees Celsius. How much does such a muffler repair tape cost? The price is about 200 rubles.
- Aluminum. The most expensive type of bandages. Reviews say that it has high strength and works at temperatures up to a thousand degrees Celsius.
As for the adhesive material, it can be:
- Sodium silicate.
- Epoxy resin
The material begins to harden after heating the muffler.
The latter is heated up to 300 and more degrees Celsius. This is quite enough for the tape to take on a stone look. Both adhesives are oil and acid resistant.
Manufacturers
Reviews (in addition to "Abro") are noted by several companies that produce high-quality tape for muffler repair:
In addition to the tape itself, the kit may include a set of square or round patches, protective gloves, as well as a wire for more reliable fixation. Using the latter, the material is rigidly fixed on the pipe until it is completely hardened.
Further, the wire can be safely removed. All work on repairing parts is carried out strictly in protective gloves.
Instructions for use
How to use this tool? First you need to prepare the surface. Work is carried out on a cooled car. Before laying the tape, the surface is treated with a degreaser. If rust is present, remove it with a metal brush. Otherwise, the glue will not provide such a high-quality and tight fit. Also clean the silencer from dirt and dust.
At the next stage, the bandage itself is prepared. If glue is based on sodium silicate, pour water into a jar and hold for several minutes. Epoxy elements are ready to use immediately.
Next, apply the tape to the damaged area. It is tightly wound on a pipe or “can” of a muffler. Winding is carried out at a distance of 3-5 centimeters from the crack itself. The tape is overlapped, in several layers. For a good effect, at least 6-8 are needed. Next, the excess part is cut with scissors. The applied material on the muffler is fixed with wire. Within 30 minutes, it should be aligned around the perimeter.
Useful advice: if the kit includes a patch, use it before applying the tape. So you achieve maximum tightness of the connection.In the case of using epoxy resin, it should be remembered that the adhesive becomes solid after 20 minutes, even at room temperature. But the final petrification will be after you start the engine and heat the muffler.
Paste Bandages
In addition to muffler repair tape, Done Deal also produces crack sealants. The cost of this product is 250 rubles. In a tube is 170 grams of pasta. Reviews say that such tools are ideal for complex sections of the joints where the use of tape will be ineffective.
note
When using bandages (applies to repair pastes), work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area at temperatures from zero degrees. Only in this way will the composition return the exhaust performance to its previous performance.
Conclusion
So, we found out what a muffler repair tape is. This tool allows you to qualitatively repair the damaged area without the use of welding and special tools. However, it should be remembered that this measure is only temporary. If the muffler has already decayed, it will not be possible to restore it in this way - the exhaust sound will remain loud and unpleasant. It is reasonable to use the tape in case of mechanical damage - for repairing cracks, breakdowns and holes that did not arise as a result of corrosion. By the way, the rest of the material cannot be reused (applies to sodium silicate tapes).