Chemical metal on exhaust downpipe

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Little crack in a welded join on the downpipe section of a stainless steel header on my 1.6; I don’t intend to repair this part, but will probably replace it. However, I want to beef up the cracked weld until I source a suitable part. Plan is to use some  chemical metal to strengthen the join, to ensure the exhaust doesn’t break off, and then to use gun gum and a piece of flexiwrap, secured with jubilee clips to guard against gas leakage. The crack is just downstream of the O2 sensor, and before the cat. But will the chemical metal remain adhered. The spec sheets indicate upto 160oC on mild steel, but there is no indication if this is a sustained temperature or not, nor do I know how hot a downpipe gets; hotter than the catback exhaust, but it will be cooler than the actual manifold.

 

Will the chemical metal be a waste of time, or not?

3

Chem metal is great stuff, but i would not use it on a zorst, is there no one (owner) local that can drop a weld/braze on it for you, it will take them minutes to sort untill you replace it.

M-m

4

When I started playing with cars you could buy exhaust bandages + gum that cost just a few quid and really sealed up and holes etc in the exhaust. I ran an MG Midget for 2 years with an exhaust bandage (with no leaks). They may be available still. Try searching for exhaust bandage on Google.  Beware! THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL TRY TO SELL YOU EXPENSIVE SOLUTIONS WHEN A FIVE QUID LASH UP WIL DO!  Search carefully.