Repair 7

Many older cars develop exhaust leaks from the exhaust pipe. As a result, fluid and loud noise can come from the car. These problems can become difficult to ignore and should be repaired. Though bringing the car to a mechanic may be your first thought, this can be costly. Fixing the issue yourself can save time and money. Its a fairly straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.

Instructions

1

Locate the leak on the exhaust. Pay special attention to any joints.

2

Sand the area on and around the leaks. This will clean and expose the area, allowing for the patchwork to bond correctly.

3

Cut a piece of sheet metal to cover an area slightly larger than the leak.

4

Mold the metal to fit around the curve of the exhaust manually. Press the sheet metal around the exhaust.

5

Turn your car on long enough to warm the exhaust but do not let it get so hot that you cannot work on it safely. Once the exhaust is warm, turn the car off.

6

Secure the sheet metal patch to the exhaust with patch tape. Apply enough tape to cover more than the area of the leak and patch. The warm exhaust will hold the tape and metal in place.

7

Turn the car on. Let the exhaust become hot. This will create a strong bond between the tape and the metal.

Convertibles are one of the most exhilarating cars to drive. Driving with the top down and a warm summer breeze flowing through your hair can be great, but what happens when the warm summer weather turns to rain and you notice that the convertible top is leaking? Taking your leaking convertible top to the repair shop can be very expensive. Fixing it yourself may be the best option.

Instructions

1

Determine where the leak is coming from. This should be simple. With a hose or bucket of water, slowly pour water along the top and look to identify the exact location of the leak. If the leak is a rip in the seam or tear in the vinyl, this can be fixed on your own. If the leak is caused from top not closing tight enough to the car then it is generally recommended that you take the car into the shop for repair.

2

Start stitching the tear. Once the tear is identified, take the vinyl thread and needle and stitch it tightly back to together.

3

Apply a small code of heavy-duty glue. At this point, only apply a small amount of glue. Simply use your finger to spread a thin coat over the entire seam and stitching on the topside of the convertible.

4

Repeat step 3 for the tear inside the car. Let both sides dry for 24 hours.

5

Prepare the vinyl patch. Cut the patch so it completely covers the tear. Apply a coat of seam sealer or heavy-duty glue to the patch and apply the patch to the area of concern. Do the same for the underside of the convertible top. Let both patches dry.

A leak in your cars head gasket signals a serious mechanical issue that needs immediate repair. The head gasket provides the mating material between the engine case halves that when open expose the engines piston chambers. This area is under high pressure when the engine runs, providing the combustion needed to move the car. A leak in the head gasket allows this pressure to leak, creating engine-performance problems that worsen. Several products exist to repair the issue, but the first repair involves opening the engine case and resealing it properly again.

Non-Invasive Products

Block seal head-gasket repair chemicals are introduced through the coolant system. These chemicals circulate through the engine while its running and clog areas where the head gasket may be leaking or blown. While not involving opening the engine case, this product can be hit-and-miss in application since it must circulate to the problem area. It cannot be used while antifreeze is still in the coolant tube. The antifreeze must be drained first.

Gaskets and Gasket Types

A new head gasket must be installed if the engine is opened. The old gasket may not be recycled or cleaned up to be used again. The old gasket is already compressed by the original assembly and wont work again. Many times it is also damaged on removal. The multiple-layers steel gasket is the typical gasket replacement used in modern cars for gasket replacements. The solid copper head gasket provides a solid seal but requires machining by a mechanic to fit properly. The extra work adds to repair costs.

The composite head gaskets are constructed from granite or asbestos. Due to the materials these gaskets are not favored anymore due to poor performance and also the health risk of asbestos in general.

Elastomeric head gaskets incorporate a steel center wrapped by silicone rubber. This provides a center integrity with a squishable edge for sealing. Unfortunately, the design failed on a performance level too often so their use has fallen out of favor.

Secondary Additives

Gasket sealant provides a silicone-based gum seal between the gasket and the metal engine parts closed up. This product primarily is used on older engines as more modern engine cases are fine-tuned to fit tightly when closed up with a new gasket.