You don’t have to replace or buy a new exhaust for a small leak or crack. Unless you have a major exhaust problem, the minor cracks can be fixed within 30 minutes.
Leaking exhaust is a common problem, and people tend to worry about taking it to the repair shop or buying a new exhaust.
However, JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant is the permanent solution for quick and easy exhaust sealing.
If you’re working with different materials, JB Weld also offers other products, such as SteelStik for metal repairs or Plastic Bonder for plastic surfaces.
Let’s walk through the easy steps to use JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant to get your exhaust back in shape.
How to Use JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant?
JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant works best on mufflers, tailpipes, exhaust systems, catalytic converters, automotive parts, and machine parts. However, it only bonds to metal. Unlike some sealants, this product does not shrink after curing.
Let the exhaust cool down before using the JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant. Then, gather your materials and keep the environment well-ventilated.
Materials Needed
- JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant
- Medium grit sandpaper (120-220)
- Gloves
- Clean cloth
- Wire brush
- Water
- Disposable spreading tool
Step One: Clean the Cracked Area
Scrub the area with a wire brush to remove rust or hard stains.
The sealant will always bond on a clean surface. To clean the area, take the sandpaper and gently sand the cracked or leaked place. Do not sand too much, or you could damage the exhaust system.
Then, remove the loose particles with a clean cloth. Ensure you remove every type of oil, dirt, and grease from the leaked area. Otherwise, the bond will stay short.
Step Two: Damp the Area
Dampening the area is essential for the JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant, which will work better in a damp area.
That’s why you should take a clean cloth, wet it, and slightly dampen the leaked area. The wet space will ensure the sealant spreads more evenly.
Step Three: Apply The Product
First, wear gloves before applying the product. The Sealant contains sodium silicate, which is dangerous to your skin.
Inhaling the silicate can also damage your internal organs. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling or directly touching the product.
Now squeeze the product directly on the leaked or cracked area. Take a disposable spreading stick and spread the product evenly on the exhaust leak. From personal experience, never apply too much sealant or it will take forever to cure.
You must secure the bond with at least 1-2 cm of sealant and wait for it to dry for 30 minutes.
Step Four: Let it Cure
After waiting 30 minutes comes the crucial part. You must take an extra step to cure the JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant.
Start the engine and keep it idle for 15 minutes. Doing this will generate heat, which will slowly cure the sealant. Once fully cured, the adhesive can handle temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C).
Make sure you heat-cure it for only 15 minutes. After that, turn off the engine. Then, let the sealant fully cure for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, inspect the sealant for missed spots or gaps. If there is no gap, then you can use your vehicle.
Read More: How To Use JB Weld Steel Reinforced Epoxy
Precautions for Using JB Weld Exhaust System Sealant
Since JB Weld Exhaust contains harmful chemicals, you must take some precautions before using it. Here are some steps you should take before using JB Weld Exhaust Sealant.
- Protect Skin: Put on protective gloves and apply the sealant. If it accidentally gets on your skin, wash it immediately with cold water and soap.
- Protect Organs: Always work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling the fumes. Even if the product is safe, the loose particles from sandpaper can damage your organs.
- Vehicle Check: Before the procedure, ensure the vehicle is turned off. Moreover, check if the exhaust is cool. Hot exhaust will burn your skin, and the sealant will not adhere properly.
Editors Opinion
I’ve used this sealant and found it a real game-changer for minor exhaust fixes. It saves you from a pricey trip to the mechanic.
It’s pretty easy to apply—just remember that it dries fast but takes a full day to set properly. Patience pays off with a strong, lasting repair.
Overall, this product is affordable for all kinds of exhaust.