Exhaust leaks are a widespread occurrence for people who use their cars frequently. Exhaust leaks are mainly caused by heat or cracks in the exhaust system. Sometimes, when the leaks are small, the exhaust system may not need to be replaced but just need to be sealed. Other times, big leaks may occur when you do not have money to replace the whole exhaust system, and the only way to temporarily fix the problem with the best exhaust sealant.
Exhaust leaks may lead to increased fuel consumption, noisy engine, and carbon monoxide gas may bring fatal problems to the people driving in the car. There are several exhaust sealants in the market today from different companies, but not all of them deliver the best results. We shall make your search easier by reviewing the best exhaust sealants from reputable brands. These products are highly recommended by drivers, professionals, and car owners. We shall also give you a buyer’s guide stating the important aspects you should consider when buying an exhaust sealant.
Top 06 Exhaust Sealants Reviews
01.Permatex 80335 Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer
Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer is much more premium more than its price would suggest. This sealant is formulated for high-temperature applications and thus ideal to use anywhere on the exhaust system. It is an ideal sealant to seal leaks and holes on the tailpipes, mufflers, and around the joints.
The sealer makes a secure installation and withstands high temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This Permatex Sealer is waterproof, and it will retain its effective properties even when it comes into contact with water. It is also shock-resistant and a non-shrinking paste. Another amazing thing about the sealant is that the paste is thick, and it spreads quite easily.
For the best application, make sure that you have cleaned the area first. After applying, wait for around 30 minutes and then run your engine for ten minutes for the sealant to dry. The sealant first cures with evaporation and then heat. It will cure completely after 24 hours of driving and drying at the highest operating temperature.
In case you need to wash it off, clean it before it dries using soap and water or Permatex hand cleaner. Avoid using the sealant in oxygen-rich or pure oxygen systems and should also not be used with chlorine or any other oxidizing materials.
- Resists temperatures up to 2000°F
- Seals leaks and holes in tailpipes, mufflers and around joints
- Make new installations extra secure
- It is easy to spread
- It is waterproof, shock resistant and non-shrinking
02.J-B Weld 37901 Extreme Heat High-Temperature Resistant Metallic Paste
J-B Weld 37901 Extreme Heat is made to offer repair to metal, iron, and steel in high-temperature environments of up to 2400°F / 1300°C. The JB weld was made as an alternate of torch welding. Once the sealant dries, it creates a strong and permanent seal, which is stronger than steel. The bond can only be removed through drilling, sanding, or machining.
The major advantage of J-B Weld 37901 is that the paste is easy and simple to apply. This sealant is ideal for repairing holes, seam connections, small gaps and cracks in water heaters, gas and commercial furnaces, fireboxes, outdoor grills, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipe connections, and exhaust manifolds.
You May Like: Symptoms of a bad catalytic converter
This J-B product is non-flammable and water-based. It does not contain any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or solvents. The sealants are available in both a big and small package depending on the size of your leak. This adhesive restores and creates a strong bond right the first time.
- Designed to repair the metal, steel, and iron
- It is non-flammable
- Have neither volatile organic compounds nor solvents
- It is water-resistant
- Effective in high temperature and extreme environments
- Simple and easy to use
- Creates a permanent bond
- Available in small and big size
03.FiberFix 38501 Heat Wrap For Exhaust Pipes and High Temp Repairs
FiberFix is a reputable company known for using cutting-edge technology to produce user-friendly and high-quality adhesives and tapes. FiberFix 38501 Heat Wrap is the solution to all your cracks, tears, and breaks in household repairs such as in the furnace and in the pipe.
This sealant is as strong as steel. It is a hundred times stronger than duct tape. It, therefore, provides dependable and durable repair for automotive. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit. The sealant does not only make a strong bond, but it is also cost-effective.
The fixing process of FiberFix 38501 Heat Wrap is quite simple. All you need is to put on your protective gloves and slip the FiberFix in water. Go ahead and apply on the surface that needs to be repaired and wait for an hour for it to dry. It is also versatile, and you can use it for any of your household repairs. The package carries one metallic strip, sandpaper, gloves, and a fibreglass heat wrap.
- It is a hundred times stronger than duct tape
- Withstand heat of up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ideal for cracked pipes and automotive repairs
- It is as strong as steel
- It is versatile to be used on various repairs
04.Dynomax 35958 Hardware Muffler Cement
Walker is a worldwide company that offers a complete and convenient engine to tailpipe coverage of replacement and repair products. The company offers optimal dependability, appearance, and OE-style fit in aftermarket emissions control parts. Dynomax 35958 is one of their products ideal for effectively sealing exhaust joints and other parts subjected to elevated temperatures. The sealant is also ideal for pipe connections and out-of-round muffler.
Dynomax 35958 sealant and withstand elevated temperatures and cures just in a few minutes after application. The new walker accessories assist in ensuring effective repairs on the exhaust systems. The sealant is designed as a leak sealer for connections but not as a replacement of welding or clamping mufflers into position.
- Ideal for sealing exhaust joints
- It can withstand elevated temperatures
- Perfect for pipe connections and out of the round muffler
- It takes minutes to dry
05.Versachem Muffler Weld Repair & Sealer
Versachem Muffler is a sealant made with black sodium silicate. It acts as a weld and creates remarkable adhesion to rusted or clean surfaces. This sealer works effectively when used on tailpipes and mufflers and other components of the exhaust system. It resists high temperatures, and this makes it a perfect choice for repairing and fixing exhaust leaks.
It can withstand up to 1500°F internment temperature and 1000°F continuous temperatures. This sealant by Versachem is resistant to monoxide gasses and thus ideal for sealing poisonous fumes. It is dark grey in color, waterproof, and non-flammable. It will, therefore, be as effective as before, even when it gets into contact with water.
After applying this sealant, it will take 2 to 4 hours to dry since it cures through water evaporation and heat. A full cure takes 24 hours. This sealant is a dry product, and thus, application temperatures should be above freezing. High temperatures make it cure faster.
For top-notch results, always make sure that you clean the surface to remove any form of dust, oil grease, and traces of paint. The exhaust system should also be dry. Apply the Versachem muffler with a putty knife and press it into the seams, cracks, and holes. The excess muffler should be removed before it dries with soap and water. When the product dries, it creates a strong bond, which is hard to remove.
- Works on tailpipes, resonators, mufflers, and other exhaust components
- Seals poisonous gasses
- Resistant to monoxide gasses
- Resistant to 1500°F internment and 1000°F continuous temperature
- It is not flammable
- Resistant to water
- Two to four hours waiting period
- Its dark gray in color
06.Permatex 80335 3 Oz Muffler & Tailpipe Sealer
This muffler and tailpipe sealant is one of Permatex’s exceptional sealants in the market. This sealant is suitable for applications with high temperatures like the exhaust system. It can be used to repair leaks on the exhaust system. The sealant is waterproof and also safe for a catalytic converter.
- Its 3 oz.
- Safe for catalytic converter
- Used to repair leaks
- It is temperature resistant
- Easy to apply
Things to Consider Before Buying Exhaust Sealant
Before you purchase a sealant for your exhaust system, there are several things that you need to consider. You, of course, do not want to keep on sealing the same place every time and them. This guide will take you through things you need to take seriously before you buy an exhaust sealant.
Compatibility
One important thing you need to look at when buying a sealant is how compatible it is with the part of the specific part of the exhaust system you want to seal. Fast you need to find the areas with exhaust leaks so that you can get a sealant that is compatible with them. You must consider buying an exhaust sealant that is compatible with all types of vehicles like cars, SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles.
Ease of Application
The other issue to look at is how easy the exhaust sealant is to apply. Different sealants come in different container types, and they also differ in methods of application. Most of the sealants involve a one-step application. It is crucial to select an exhaust sealant that is easy to apply.
Waiting Time
This is the time you will need to wait for the sealant to cool and also for you to use the car after applying the exhaust sealant. The amount of healing time will depend on the capacity of the exhaust leak. Some of the sealants also have a shorter healing time than others. It is, therefore, important to get an exhaust sealant with a short waiting time so that you can be able to drive your car a short time after repairing the leak. Go through the manufactures instructions before you buy the sealant to learn more about its healing time.
Temperature
The exhaust system will be subject to a lot of heat coming along with exhausts that need to go out through the tailpipe. The durability of a sealant is mainly determined by how much temperature it can hold. The exhaust sealant you choose should be able to withstand a lot of heat. If the sealant is not made to withstand that kind of heat, then it means that it will get weary in no time, and there you will have the exhaust leak again. Make sure you use sealants specifically made for the exhaust system.
Size of the Exhaust Leak
Knowing the size of the exhaust leaks or how many leaks you need to fix will help you to know the amount of sealant you will buy. If you have several leaks in different places or one large one will need more sealant than just a single crack or hole. Examine the exhaust leak before you purchase the sealant. Exhaust sealants come in different sizes. You can buy a bigger one which is likely to save you more cash than buying two.
Price
Different exhaust sealants come with their own prices depending on their manufacturer. Since there has been a lot of competition, you will get some at extremely low costs, but they may not be as durable. Consider buying an exhaust sealant that not only fits your budget but that which is of quality.
You May Like:
- Essential Things to Know About Exhaust Clamps vs. Welding
- Best Exhaust System For Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
- How to Improve Exhaust Sound? – The Smarter Ways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Exhaust Sealant?
An exhaust sealant is a type of adhesive used to seal small or medium-sized holes, causing leaks on the exhaust system. The best exhaust sealants are waterproof, weather-resistant, and heatproof and that provide tight and permanent seals to fix exhaust leaks.
These sealers can be used on any leaks around the exhaust joints on tailpipes and mufflers. They also make a new installation of the exhaust system more secure. Exhaust sealants give an easier, fast, and more economical way to fix exhaust leaks.
What Can I Use To Seal My Exhaust Joints?
Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer is the best sealant to use on exhaust joints. This sealant is good for new installments since it is waterproof, resistant to high temperatures, and shock-resistant, thus making. This makes the exhaust joints more secure in all weather conditions.
To make a good seal, remove dirt and rust from the area using a wire brush and the area around the joint. Wet the joints with water and apply a thick layer around the outside pipe. Fit the muffler or/and pipe together and allow it to dry for around 10 minutes. Clean the excess sealant after some time with water before to dries. This sealant is a strong adhesive, and it will secure your joints from leaks.
How Long Does Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer Take To Cure?
Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealant cures through evaporation and is cured further by heat. After applying the sealant on the area with the exhaust leak, give it 30 minutes to dry and later start the engine for around ten more minutes. After this, you can drive your car and go to your errands. Technically, a full cure is after 24 hours of drying and driving in maximum operating temperature. When the sealant is fully cured, it retains its original properties even after it gets in contact with water.
Should I use Exhaust Manifold Sealant for Gaskets?
It is not advisable to use exhaust manifold sealant with on gaskets. Most of the exhaust manifold gaskets will either come with their own sealants, or are made of metal, so they do not need it. In most cases, sealants, even those made to withstand high temperatures, will burn off since the heat at the header/head interface is more than they can withstand.
How Do I fix A Hole in My Exhaust?
If you have had any of the exhaust system symptoms such as a noisy engine or burning smell in your car, then you should consider fixing the leak as soon as possible. A hole in the exhaust system mainly causes engine leaks. Before you start the process, ensure that you have the right protective gear and follow the steps below:
- Jack Up the car. As a safety precaution, ensure that the car is supported by a minimum of two supports.
- Find the exhaust leak. Find the leaking area by imparting pressure on the tailpipe and spraying soapy water on the whole exhaust system. When you see some bubbles, then it means that that is where the hole is.
- Clean the area around the hole. Scrub the area with a steel-toothed brush or sandpaper to remove rust and dirt on the area. Later wipe it with acetone or nail polish remover.
- Apply exhaust sealant on the leak and all around it. Use a wooden dowel to spread the sealant around the area.
- Wait for the sealant to dry before you start using the vehicle. The waiting time will be determined by the type of exhaust sealant you have used. The curing period is written on the package.
- If the hole is large, use an aluminum patch and sealant together. Apply some sealant and put on it an aluminum patch. This will give you a much stronger seal.
Can I Use RTV Instead Of a Gasket?
Yes, it is a feasible RTV sealant instead of a gasket, but it is not advisable. It is crucial to make sure that you use the right application method when using RTV sealant. It is, however, not advisable to apply it if the thickness of the gasket is supposed to produce a given amount of clearance. It is better to use RTV sealants instead of using primitive sealants such as sump pans, intake manifold, thermostat housing, and water pumps.
Final Words
Exhaust sealants bring you easy and economical ways to fix your exhaust leaks. The review includes the best exhaust sealants you will find in the market and their features. You, therefore, do not have any reason to stay with an exhaust leak, which will bring more harm not only to your car but also to your health.
Ensure that the sealant will be able to withstand the high temperatures in the exhaust system. When fixing the exhaust leaks with a sealant, makes sure that the surface is clean for you to get the best results. If you are not able to repair it, it is always advisable to contact an automotive mechanic to do it for you.