Can I patch a crack in a cast iron exhaust manifold?

Question

I have a 98 Honda Civic with a crack in the exhaust manifold, which is cast iron. It causes my engine to run louder, and my car smells like exhaust when I'm stuck in traffic. To replace it will be costly. Is there a way I can patch the crack for a fraction of the cost?

Answer 1

Several improvements have been made in the cast iron welding field. Use to, you would have to pre-heat the cast iron and slowly weld it as to avoid further cracking. You can also braze it, which is inexpensive. But, stick rods are available now that are much better than the old ones and the repair can be done fairly cheap. Check with a local machine shop or welding shop. A good welder will make the part as good as new.

Answer 2

Exhaust Manifold Crack Repair

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can I patch a crack in a cast iron exhaust manifold?
I have a 98 Honda Civic with a crack in the exhaust manifold, which is cast iron. It causes my engine to run louder, and my car smells like exhaust when I'm stuck in traffic. To replace it will be costly. Is there a way I can patch the crack for a fraction of the cost?

Answer 4

Honda Civic Exhaust Manifold

Answer 5

Generally no, you will have to remove it and have it welded.
One good thing is that Honda's have problems cracking exhaust manifolds, so aftermarket ones exist that are better than the original ones

Answer 6

hi you could do ny whelding an extra bit of cast onto the exhaust pipe but it would blow a bit and will not pass an mot i no because i am an mot mechanic and i no plenty of people that have done this and by law we have to fail it for that reason it would cost around 150 pounds for a new civic exhaust manifold maybe cheaper it depend on th age thanks hope i helped

Answer 7

you can weld cast iron but you need special welding rods that are only for welding cast iron speak to a blacksmith or go to your local small garage they could maybe point you in the right direction

Answer 8

This same thing happened to my Prizm. I had a guy braze it closed, but it popped apart again due to stress.

So I took it off, had him braze it one more time, then had it machined flat. That's why it cracked in the first place, stress from not being exactly square.

Answer 9

You can patch a crack, take it to a shop and have someone stick weld the crack...... you can stick weld cast iron.

Answer 10

You can but it is really not worth the effort. You would actually be better off buying a aftermarket header. http://www.muggyweld.com/castiron.html
Go there if you really want to fix the stock cast iron.