Testing car exhaust system sealants
Liquids for Auto

Testing car exhaust system sealants

How does muffler sealant work and where is it used?

Automotive exhaust sealants are often referred to as "cements". Moreover, the word "cement" is mentioned not only among motorists as slang. Some manufacturers of muffler sealants use this word on their packaging, and not for commercial purposes.

The similarity of sealants with cements has both a real, applied meaning, and a chemical one. Almost all automotive sealants are various forms of polymers. And exhaust system repair cement is a polymer with a high content of silicates. Silicon, as the base of all silicate compounds, is also the main chemical element of conventional building cement.

The second similarity lies in the general principle of operation. Sealants, after being applied to the surface to be treated, harden, like cements.

Testing car exhaust system sealants

Due to the abundant content of ceramic compounds, muffler sealants have high thermal stability. On average, before the onset of destructive processes, most compositions of this purpose can be heated to temperatures above 1000 ° C.

In most cases, muffler sealants are used in exhaust system connections to improve tightness. Less often - as a repair tool. They cement small defects: small cracks, local burnouts, damaged connecting points of the exhaust system.

After curing, the sealants form a solid polymer layer, which has high hardness and at the same time some elasticity (the polymer can withstand small vibration loads and micro-movements without damage), as well as heat resistance. It is this set of qualities that is needed to seal the exhaust system.

Testing car exhaust system sealants

Brief overview of popular products on the market

Let's consider several sealants for mufflers that are popular in Russia.

  1. Liqui Moly exhaust repair paste. One of the most expensive and effective sealants for high temperature joints. Produced in plastic tubes with a volume of 200 gr. It costs about 400 rubles. The main area of ​​application is the exhaust systems of cars. But it can also be used for other compounds operating at high temperatures. It is applied to the leaky section of the exhaust tract. Primary hardening occurs within 15-20 minutes of engine idling. Without heating the system, the sealant will fully cure in about 12 hours.
  2. ABRO Exhaust System Sealer Cement. The second most popular remedy in Russia. The price for a tube with a volume of 170 grams is 200-250 rubles. A distinctive feature of Abro cement is the ability to create fairly thick and durable patches. It is guaranteed to polymerize with a set of full, calculated hardness with a layer thickness of up to 6 mm. Dries to a serviceable condition in 20 minutes of engine idling. After 4 hours, it gains maximum strength.

Testing car exhaust system sealants

  1. Bosal Muffler Cement. Inexpensive, but quite effective sealant for repairing exhaust systems. A tube of 190 grams costs about 150 rubles. It is mainly used as a filler in the connecting voids of the exhaust tract. It is applied to the joints of individual elements and under the clamps. After drying, it forms a hard cement layer that does not burn out.

There are quite a few other exhaust system sealants on the market. All of them have good efficiency. And in general, the rule works: the higher the price, the stronger and better the connection will be isolated or the damage will be closed.

Testing car exhaust system sealants

Reviews of motorists

Most motorists speak well of almost all sealants for the repair of exhaust systems. These sealants are usually used in two cases: the installation of individual elements of the exhaust tract with additional insulation of the joints, or the repair of minor damage.

The lifespan of a sealant depends on a large number of factors. Therefore, it is impossible to name any exact time interval during which the composition will not collapse. But in general, if the installation conditions are met, then the sealant laid in the joint will last until the next repair of the system, and in some cases the patches last up to 5 years.

Testing car exhaust system sealants

Negative reviews are usually associated with the misuse of funds. For example, if the connection is poorly prepared (rust, soot and oily deposits are not removed), then the sealant will not adhere well to the surfaces, and as a result, after a short time, it will begin to crumble and fall off. Also, before starting the full operation of the car, it is necessary to give the composition time for complete polymerization.

With the help of sealants for exhaust systems, it is not recommended to repair cracks in potentially stressed areas and burnouts on heavily corroded and burnt elements with a critically small metal thickness.

Muffler. Repair without welding

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