Quick tip to repair cracks in Headers

[pedigo78]

So I noticed I had some cracks in the headers and leaks. they prior owner had the entire exhaust welded so I have no flanges to remove headers and replace.  So ill need new headers and then take it to a shop to have new flanges welded on. But in the mean time could I hit the small cracks up with some apoxy or would the heat be to much? Also could the cracks be the reason I am backfiring at idle?

[Fairlane514]

Weld the cracks......maybe the muffler shop can do it.  The cracks could be causing your popping sound at idle

[Irish_Alley]

dont waist money getting someone to weld the cracks. if they cracked they are rusty if you weld on rust the area next to the weld will crack. a patch job will work. they sell exhaust epoxy. i would op for jb but idk if it can handle the heat. seen it work on a block before just not the exhaust. and yes like fair said a leak will pop and almost sound like a knock sometimes

[pedigo78]

thanks guys

[rich weyand]

There is such a thing as high-temperature epoxy exhaust repair, but it is not a long-term fix.  My epoxy repair on the exhaust pipe lasted about a year and a half, and it doesn't get near as hot as a header.  The use of epoxy like JBWeld on an engine block is a far different case than on a header.  Headers can glow dull red under continuous load.  That's 900+* F.

This stuff might be a better choice.  It actually shows a header repair on the package, and claims 2400* F heat resistance.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/CarGo-3-oz-ThermoSteel-High-Temp-metal-repair-jar/_/N-25y6?itemIdentifier=515553_0_0_

[Irish_Alley]

yeah thats what i was afraid of. i would use the exhaust epoxy for sure.

[rich weyand]

I used "exhaust epoxy", not JBWeld, on my exhaust pipe, but it wasn't as high a temp as the CarGo stuff.

[pedigo78]

great ill check it out. thinking about taking some over due leave. so ill be taking care of a few issues