I'm not a professional welder, and in fact, have never welded anything, but I am an internet user, so I definitely feel qualified to tell you my welds are ten times better.
I'd rather have a good mechanic with basic welding skills than a pro welder with basic mechanic skills. Unless I'm building bridges or skyscrapers. Thanks for sharing!
I was out visiting my daughter from SW AZ. Stopped by a Napa Auto in Nashua, NH. I was flabbergasted by the amount of mufflers and exhaust pipes they carried. Y’all take the rust and I’ll keep the heat….😁. God bless..
The number one criteria I have for weld quality is “Did it work?” So if I’m the welding inspector and anyone asks - these welds pass with flying colors. 👍
@@coreybenson3122 I have a kitchen knife with a 100% JBW handle. It started out as a repair, replacing a chunk of one scale that cracked and fell off, but one thing led to another and now the original scales are completely gone, replaced with filed, sanded, and lacquered JBW. 😁
Great video Eric. Saving the customer money by not allowing manufacturers to bilk them on poorly designed overprices parts says much about your character. I applaud you sir.
This is the sort of repair that makes you everyone's favorite mechanic. You saved the customer a ton of money, and by using a proper flex, you made a repair that will likely outlive the rest of the exhaust system. I know why you have plenty of return customers!
Eric O just an honest mechanic helping his customers get back on the road. That's why I enjoy watching his videos! No one is perfect at everything. Isn't that why we come to youtube to learn?
I'm retired welding 40 years structural pipe up hand down hand learn to control the heat and the puddle starts and stops are important ! Your welding is just fine neat looks you got penetration good job. 😁
Always looking out for the customer. I’m a residential service plumber. Same selling points, saves the customer money and hassle. That’s why we do what we do brother. Class act.
Nice job! This kind of thing, where an OEM part is bundled together with a money making part, happens all the time. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt, but we're way beyond that. They do it so the dealer can make money off their loyal customers, raising the cost of repairs so buying a new car is more attractive.
In this case, having the flex pipe separate from the cat would introduce another flange to fail and another seal to start leaking. These flex pipes have been on the market for a long time and are an adequate repair. The only people that fall victim to the 'money making part' are ones that only go to dealers or technicians that charge markups on parts.
There's other things to consider too on parts engineering such as manufacturing assembly costs and off-the-self components. An extra join may not seem like a big investment. But, what's the trade-off of the total life of the component vs. initial cost? I have a 30 year old pickup truck which has seen a ton of in-depth complete sub-system refreshes -- total from frame out front end replacement, everything downstream of the brake master cylinder, and a host of other systems... No one would keep such a vehicle if paying full retail to maintain it. But, DIY, it's a lot cheaper for me than buying a new truck. Designing and building a vehicle to last more than 15 years is false economy in this fickle consumer demand focused market. People neglect, abuse, and get tired of their possessions far faster and want new. It's their money, they can waste it however they want. The OEMs design to that lifecycle period and no more. I don't mind... This allows me to pick up rather serviceable used vehicles for a song, dance, and a couple of days of being on my back under the thing making it bulletproof reliable.
I ran into that with the secondary air on my 2011 Tundra. Toyota's "fix" was to replace both solenoids and the pump, at least, not sure of the piping. They only sold the solenoids as a unit with the manifold. A bigger job than popping out 4 torx screws for the solenoid. In the end, all it needed was a bit of brake clean to shine up the solenoid cavity/valve and the reed valve. Thousands at the dealer vs half hour of my time for a fix in the driveway
@@edwardhalpin7503 Yep. I'm a year behind you and still tackling new skills and techniques to fix vehicles and accomplish home renovations and repairs on my own. The savings and self-reliance are going to be a big positive as inflation gets worse and runs long... That previous 30 years of free money has a cost and the bill coming due will be here for a good long while.
I remember growing up in NJ in the 80's my dad found the perfect size can (dont know what of) to fix his exhaust (he drove an '81 Mercury Bobcat / Ford Pinto). I think by the time he got rid of the car the exhaust was nothing but metal cans and hose clamps.
Did that here in the UK on many cars. Heinz Baked Bean cans were my personal favourite. Beans on toast for lunch followed by a 10 minute cut, wrap and weld and hey presto, fixed exhaust!
Awesome that you fixed it instead of selling them a new converter, your repair looks better than the stock piece, every time you pulled the trigger on the welder I caught myself looking away thinking I would burn my eyes 😂
Popular among mechanics who works on Chevy, if your truck/ van won;t start you need a new OEM , CAT, from a dealer )) then when new cats don’t fix they say they cannot fix the truck ,, and poor guy have to tow it to some local small shop, who finds that problem is simply a dead fuel pump, ..
As a professional non-welder I can reassure, that these welds do, indeed, look awesome. Also, as a strictly non professional car driver, I appreciciate this repair very much. I reckon, most shops would just have billed a complete new exhaust front to back :(
They make those parts that combine multiple parts for assembly plant to lower production time and it's nice to see people like you who live in the real world and replace only what is needed.
Takes me back to the first car repair I was ever involved with, splicing a bit of helical flexi into my dad’s pre war Rover14 about 55 years ago ! Dad said I could get under the car easier ! It’s nice to see people are still saving money.
This mechanic is always enjoyable to watch work. Makes me really appreciate my 17 year old Volvo V70. It still has the original exhaust system after that many years of NJ salted roads! I had an 80s Toyota Camry that had a dual flexpipe. It would rust through every 2 or 3 years.
Quite a few junkyards I visited l saw and I gotta tell ya .....all the old Volvos lve seen there had zero rust on the bodies and I'm in Wi --- Im assuming they must put more chromium and a touch of nickel into the molten steel when forming body panels -- who knows ?
Can u give me your expert opinion on something perplexing me please? Had to replace muffler and flex pipe after 3 rear end hits to my KIA Sportage 2.4 L EX 2011. No one would listen that the exhaust parts after the hits caused noises and vibration. The a/c compressor also failed and they told me there was a leak and an electrical issue that caused it to fail. Could the rear end hits that caused the exhaust stuff (flex pipe) have wrecked the compressor because of the heat from broken flex ? Could it have melted the wires or the hoses to a/c or rattled the components of a/c to cause it to break down? Need to find out before I make another repair? Would appreciate your expertise. Thanks.
@@tambourine36 Yes a broken flex pipe would definitely make exhaust noise and depending on the severity of the leak, and it could damage any nearby wires or hoses, I'm not so sure about A/C compressor damage. Possibly the compressor clutch wiring causing no compressor engagement and hoses causing refrigerant to leak out. Was there an insurance claim? It could be covered from accident repair claim. Hope this helps.
You welded, it helded.👍 I used the same flex coupling on my 98 Wrangler to absorb the engine torque rock (4.0L TJs are notorious for cracking the exhaust header). That was 2yrs ago and it works great.
Its nice that you saved the customer some money by not replacing the entire pipe with converter, jobs like that will ensure you have repeat business for life, great job
I have always been lucky enough to find a converter that is a straight on replacement deal, no fancy welding or cutting or adapting. Not all of us are that lucky. Thanks for mechanics like SMA who can help those of us in a pinch!
"Old pipe too short" - story of my life..... Nice job, Eric. As usual taking care of your customer in the most cost efficient, practical way instead of over selling to make an additional dollar. Ever thought of moving to Chicagoland area? Somewhat less rust here.....
Eric O that welded pipe looked good to me as far as I could see. No one who isn't willing to crawl under their own car to try and fix an exhaust issue will complain. They will be grateful to your efforts. Keep South Main Auto fixing those cars!
You did great work my friend! When in doubt with welding thin tubing, just do conjoined tacks all around the tubing.. it's much easier then trying to blast a bead all the way around and burning thru it.. I had to repair many exhuasts aswell in my day lol.
I'm no welder, and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...Looks like your skills are EXACTLY where they need to be...it fixed the car, and saved them money, and made you some money.
Nice repair! Now if only they would make aftermarket flex pipes that last a little bit longer. I've had a pretty bad experience with those Walker pipes. A year or two later and they're rusted through. Here in Pennsylvania
Why that spot needs a flex pipe? Go with piece of good quality solid pipe and forget about your exhaust, ,, if you find one in stainless steel will be even better, . Older pickups and vans did not have any flex pipes or harmonics,
I once worked in a metal fabrication shop and did a lot of custom welding on prototype construction machines. I own MIG, TIG, Stick, Spool gun and Oxy Acetylene welders in my home shop. And honestly, I didn’t see anything wrong with your welds given the exhaust pipe application and the position you were welding in. WAY better than some welds I’ve seen from other auto mechanics who just pile on lumps of cold steel with no penetration or burn through every half inch. What you were doing isn’t a job for a novice. I can tell that you’ve got more experience than you’re letting on. Well done.
SMA has a video a few years ago in which Eric creates a trailer hitch from scratch, including the welding, it was a professional job any welder would be proud of.
Great work Eric! As a past Tech Advisor for Jeep in the 90s, I resolved Grand Cherokee exhaust drone noise complaints by installing those flex pipes. They also come in varying durometer selections. Thanks for all you do!
I used to be a certified welder, i have retired from that field long ago, and let me tell you your welding skills are 100% better than some of my former certified welders who i have worked with, gret job Eric
Actually that would have been covered under the emissions warranty. Had the exact same thing happen to my Sable years ago and since the flex pipe was part of the converter it was covered. Should be 8/80 on anything emission related.
This came up on my feed immediately after I watched Ivan of PHAD working on the worst wiring in the world - an engine-swapped Audi A4. So I saw a pair of skilled surgeons saving cars - Dr. Ivan, MD, PHAD, fixing shattered nerves, and Dr. Eric, MD, SMA, replacing a failed section of the EcoSport's digestive system. Well done, doctors!
I think you did a good job. You could insist the pipe being replaced but you saved money for your customer. Where you are rust is the worst thing in your area. Thumbs up 👍.
@@Phantom-mk4kp pulsed? Everytime he layed a bead it was constant wire feed. My friend also taught me to weld with the Bacon frying statement, something I wont forget
I use furnace cement for exhaust leaks. Feather over the hole when it's cold, let it sit a hour and drive until warm. JB weld burns at 300, furnace cement melts at 2300
Thanks Eric , I need to do my wife's 97 Lexus {flex pipe is bad] .A replacement pipe includes The Cat . The cost to repair /a new forward pipe is more than the car is worth .This type of repair is a perfect answer !
Got MOT (UK Tech Inspection) tomorrow and on the VW Golf Mk4 there is a one piece Flexible pipe/CAT; this vid just reminded me that I can do this same thing, without even welding! Thanks.
The main trouble with auto repair shops is there are too few mechanics with the integrity and skills that you exhibit everytime i see one of your videos. Great job!
@@michaeltexeira6185 ugga duggas is a scientific method Eric utilizes to apply an exact amount of force. One ugga dugga, two ugga duggas, etc. Brakleen is a fan favorite due to Eric's varied uses and the sounds used to present it. For lots of us, the best videos include ugga duggas, Brakleen, Big Nasty, and lots of innuendo from Eric. I refer you to some of the tougher jobs he has had to accomplish.
I am just learning how to weld and I love it! We joke around and instead of me laying dimes I say “ I’m laying worms” 🤣. Cuz they sure look a lot like worms when I’m done laying a bead. Lots more practice for me!
Trolling the professional welders by not wearing your mask 🤣 .but redeeming yourself by proposingly showing you reconnecting the negative battery terminal Thanks the video 😊
I haven't met a professional welder that wont do a tack weld without a mask. In fabrication unless you're setting up for a significant amounts of welds, there's no reason to.
a 2018 model. let that sink in for a minute - that car is at MAX four years old.(if bought new in fall of 2017) WOW. I know salt does wonders to cars up north(used to live in VT) but just think about the fact that the metal in that didn't last. that said, I am so happy to see you do a fix like this. most shops around me refuse to. I have found one local muffler shop that will do fixes like this and they're amazing. Love your videos, your attitude, and your work ethic and diagnosis process. Thanks!
You're one of the best mechanics and best people around! If I didn't live in Georgia you'd have my business and I'd be taking my car to you guys all the time!!
I had a 79 Trans Am SE "Bandit Edition" back in high school and college. I did a little work on the engine and put a 3" dual exhaust with Walker Redline mufflers turned down under the car just a few inches past the end of the mufflers. I used to idle through the parking lot at college and the sound and vibration would set off car alarms all through the lot. Fast car, damn fast car! Fortunately, I lived to tell about if you know what I mean. I even installed a whiskey pump that I could dispense Jim Beam into a glass in the glove box from a switch on the dash. Everybody loved that car, I sure do miss it.
Nothing wrong with repairs like this. The legal stuff is still there and the stuff for engine performance and you save the customer many $$$$$$$! Unfortunately there are times you have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks but this wasn't one of them. Good job.
I'm not a professional welder, and in fact, have never welded anything, but I am an internet user, so I definitely feel qualified to tell you my welds are ten times better.
Lmfao
LMAO REEEEEEEEE!!
Same. My first weld will totally outclass this nonsense, assuming I ever weld anything.
Ha! Nice! Smartass!!! Two thumbs up! I imagine you snickering while you typed that! Ha!
🤣
I'd rather have a good mechanic with basic welding skills than a pro welder with basic mechanic skills. Unless I'm building bridges or skyscrapers. Thanks for sharing!
Erics welding was very simular to the welds on my walker pars that are sitting right behind me so probably more than just good enough.
Cool story
All day long!
At the end of the day. It works no leaks who cares what the welds look like it's under a car. Good job Eric!
My entire business is just Automotive Exhaust here in NH. So finally seeing you do one makes it even more special! Keep up the awesome videos.
Hey I’m from NH!!! what’s the name of the shop?
Bryan!! What’s going on! We still get on the 4x4s to break some trails! 🤣
I'm in NH too!
Are muffler shops still using torch welding or mostly using mig?
I was out visiting my daughter from SW AZ. Stopped by a Napa Auto in Nashua, NH. I was flabbergasted by the amount of mufflers and exhaust pipes they carried. Y’all take the rust and I’ll keep the heat….😁. God bless..
The number one criteria I have for weld quality is “Did it work?” So if I’m the welding inspector and anyone asks - these welds pass with flying colors. 👍
Your welding is paying the bills and keeping your customers smiling… expert status in my book!
Facts
I duno , I had my flex pipe on my Celica done at professional exhaust shop and I can definitely say Mr O that you did a better job.
I've been a professional welder for over 110 years now, and I still learned something from you today. Thank you. ;)
My welds would be just as smooth and glossy as a bead of JB Weld, at least in part because I don't own a welder, and I do have some JB Weld.
I’m god dang Journeyman JB Welder myself.
@@coreybenson3122 I have a kitchen knife with a 100% JBW handle. It started out as a repair, replacing a chunk of one scale that cracked and fell off, but one thing led to another and now the original scales are completely gone, replaced with filed, sanded, and lacquered JBW. 😁
Love these JB comments
I've witnessed some JB weld magic but will it hold up in exhaust systems?
@@edwardhalpin7503 sure. As long as you don't start the engine. 😁
Great video Eric. Saving the customer money by not allowing manufacturers to bilk them on poorly designed overprices parts says much about your character. I applaud you sir.
You are a good human being. Wish I had a mechanic like you here in Canada
Me 2 here in NYC
Come to Premium Auto Repair! I'm Brampton
Best mechanic hands down!
In my Country too ! 😁
Safety squints replaced by safety brim there on the tack welds.
I'm not a professional welder but I did stay at a holiday Inn express last night. LOL you did a fine job on that.
Eric "The Welder"! You done good . A very nice stitch weld on some thin wall tubing in a confined space and you didn't burn through. Excellent!
Look out another welder weenie !
I have to agree with you Robalo, but the cutting process could use a little improvement. LOL
Overhead, vertical
This is the sort of repair that makes you everyone's favorite mechanic. You saved the customer a ton of money, and by using a proper flex, you made a repair that will likely outlive the rest of the exhaust system. I know why you have plenty of return customers!
Hey Mr. O, it looks like you welded that completely wrong. Can you please explain why?
Hahahahahaha....NO!
Mr O for bonus points explain why we should use clamps too ... Oh hey Wes
😂🤣
yeah he welded it upside down. how can someone do that.hehehehe.
It’s an absolute travesty, I tells ya! He needs to get certified! Me - I’m just certifiable.
Eric O just an honest mechanic helping his customers get back on the road. That's why I enjoy watching his videos! No one is perfect at everything. Isn't that why we come to youtube to learn?
I'm retired welding 40 years structural pipe up hand down hand learn to control the heat and the puddle starts and stops are important ! Your welding is just fine neat looks you got penetration good job. 😁
Always looking out for the customer. I’m a residential service plumber. Same selling points, saves the customer money and hassle. That’s why we do what we do brother. Class act.
Nice job! This kind of thing, where an OEM part is bundled together with a money making part, happens all the time. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt, but we're way beyond that. They do it so the dealer can make money off their loyal customers, raising the cost of repairs so buying a new car is more attractive.
In this case, having the flex pipe separate from the cat would introduce another flange to fail and another seal to start leaking. These flex pipes have been on the market for a long time and are an adequate repair. The only people that fall victim to the 'money making part' are ones that only go to dealers or technicians that charge markups on parts.
There's other things to consider too on parts engineering such as manufacturing assembly costs and off-the-self components. An extra join may not seem like a big investment. But, what's the trade-off of the total life of the component vs. initial cost?
I have a 30 year old pickup truck which has seen a ton of in-depth complete sub-system refreshes -- total from frame out front end replacement, everything downstream of the brake master cylinder, and a host of other systems...
No one would keep such a vehicle if paying full retail to maintain it. But, DIY, it's a lot cheaper for me than buying a new truck.
Designing and building a vehicle to last more than 15 years is false economy in this fickle consumer demand focused market. People neglect, abuse, and get tired of their possessions far faster and want new. It's their money, they can waste it however they want. The OEMs design to that lifecycle period and no more.
I don't mind... This allows me to pick up rather serviceable used vehicles for a song, dance, and a couple of days of being on my back under the thing making it bulletproof reliable.
Russell youre singing my song. I'm 59 years old and still learning
I ran into that with the secondary air on my 2011 Tundra. Toyota's "fix" was to replace both solenoids and the pump, at least, not sure of the piping. They only sold the solenoids as a unit with the manifold. A bigger job than popping out 4 torx screws for the solenoid. In the end, all it needed was a bit of brake clean to shine up the solenoid cavity/valve and the reed valve. Thousands at the dealer vs half hour of my time for a fix in the driveway
@@edwardhalpin7503 Yep. I'm a year behind you and still tackling new skills and techniques to fix vehicles and accomplish home renovations and repairs on my own. The savings and self-reliance are going to be a big positive as inflation gets worse and runs long... That previous 30 years of free money has a cost and the bill coming due will be here for a good long while.
I remember growing up in NJ in the 80's my dad found the perfect size can (dont know what of) to fix his exhaust (he drove an '81 Mercury Bobcat / Ford Pinto). I think by the time he got rid of the car the exhaust was nothing but metal cans and hose clamps.
Did that myself back in the eighties,....just a patch until I could afford a new exhaust.... it was still there years later when the car was scrapped
Did that here in the UK on many cars. Heinz Baked Bean cans were my personal favourite. Beans on toast for lunch followed by a 10 minute cut, wrap and weld and hey presto, fixed exhaust!
It is only temporary, unless it works!
Was Your dad name Macgyver :-))
Been there - had soup and beer cans on the glasspack, all held up by wire coat hangers on my '85 Monte in the day, lol. WOOOBAAAAAAH!! 😬🤘
Awesome that you fixed it instead of selling them a new converter, your repair looks better than the stock piece, every time you pulled the trigger on the welder I caught myself looking away thinking I would burn my eyes 😂
Popular among mechanics who works on Chevy, if your truck/ van won;t start you need a new OEM , CAT, from a dealer )) then when new cats don’t fix they say they cannot fix the truck ,, and poor guy have to tow it to some local small shop, who finds that problem is simply a dead fuel pump, ..
I hobby weld. Sometimes looks great. Sometimes grinder makes it look better!
As a professional non-welder I can reassure, that these welds do, indeed, look awesome. Also, as a strictly non professional car driver, I appreciciate this repair very much. I reckon, most shops would just have billed a complete new exhaust front to back :(
They make those parts that combine multiple parts for assembly plant to lower production time and it's nice to see people like you who live in the real world and replace only what is needed.
A wise man once said - "A grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't".... Anyway, who doesn't like saving money???? Well done, Dr. O.....
And Confucious said "man who go to bed with itchy butt, wake up with smelly fingers" !! Confucious said it i didn't !
Da bigger da gob, da betta da job!!
I was going to comment this but you beat me to it. Well played
AvE is a wise man now?
@@misterhat5823 indeed. "keep your d!ck in a vise" AVE.
I used to do that with a torch and coat hanger, great job Eric!
i still use a torch and coat hanger and i got a new mig
Welded steel rule dies many time with coat hanger.
Takes me back to the first car repair I was ever involved with, splicing a bit of helical flexi into my dad’s pre war Rover14 about 55 years ago ! Dad said I could get under the car easier ! It’s nice to see people are still saving money.
This mechanic is always enjoyable to watch work. Makes me really appreciate my 17 year old Volvo V70. It still has the original exhaust system after that many years of NJ salted roads! I had an 80s Toyota Camry that had a dual flexpipe. It would rust through every 2 or 3 years.
Quite a few junkyards I visited l saw and I gotta tell ya .....all the old Volvos lve seen there had zero rust on the bodies and I'm in Wi --- Im assuming they must put more chromium and a touch of nickel into the molten steel when forming body panels -- who knows ?
"I'm not sure what engine it is"
*in my head* "but it's big"
"It's a little guy"
Mind blown
Great job! That's exactly what I would have done. I'm a retired technician of 40 years and have pretty much seen it all.
Can u give me your expert opinion on something perplexing me please? Had to replace muffler and flex pipe after 3 rear end hits to my KIA Sportage 2.4 L EX 2011. No one would listen that the exhaust parts after the hits caused noises and vibration. The a/c compressor also failed and they told me there was a leak and an electrical issue that caused it to fail. Could the rear end hits that caused the exhaust stuff (flex pipe) have wrecked the compressor because of the heat from broken flex ? Could it have melted the wires or the hoses to a/c or rattled the components of a/c to cause it to break down? Need to find out before I make another repair? Would appreciate your expertise. Thanks.
@@tambourine36 Yes a broken flex pipe would definitely make exhaust noise and depending on the severity of the leak, and it could damage any nearby wires or hoses, I'm not so sure about A/C compressor damage. Possibly the compressor clutch wiring causing no compressor engagement and hoses causing refrigerant to leak out. Was there an insurance claim? It could be covered from accident repair claim. Hope this helps.
Normally when someone takes a rip saw to an exhaust system, it's to steal the converter, not the flexi-pipe
That's in LA ci?
They also doing it in Houston. Sad.
@@umajunkcollector Everywhere. They''ve been doing it in SC for years. Comes in spurts. I think a lot of it is a crew that roams the southeast.
@@umajunkcollector They are stealing Cats everywhere in the world these days.
@@umajunkcollector Had a crew hitting dealerships late at night in MN where my family is.
You welded, it helded.👍 I used the same flex coupling on my 98 Wrangler to absorb the engine torque rock (4.0L TJs are notorious for cracking the exhaust header). That was 2yrs ago and it works great.
“Wat do you want me to do, chop it off !?!”
Makes me chuckle.
Currently enjoying a coffee from my SMA mug. Cheers and best wishes from the UK.
Its nice that you saved the customer some money by not replacing the entire pipe with converter, jobs like that will ensure you have repeat business for life, great job
I've watched alot of your videos and your number 1 is always looking out for the customer. You run a great shop let the haters hate.
Let them go watch Pelosers vids
I’ve never seen a 3 year old car need exhaust work before! Great work FORD!
loving the prayer before each tack weld!!
Eric, saved that lady a ton of money, and I learned how to fix it !!
Thank You !
Oh I love how you pre hate the haters! Makes me giggle every time ☺️
Saving the customer lots of money makes you such a champion. Eric O. is the best!
Eric O. showing off his classic, head-tilt-tac, skills. 💪👍
Saying a prayer for each tack weld
Safety 2nd.
I have always been lucky enough to find a converter that is a straight on replacement deal, no fancy welding or cutting or adapting. Not all of us are that lucky. Thanks for mechanics like SMA who can help those of us in a pinch!
Great fix Eric. Bet that customer was happy not having to buy a new converter
"Old pipe too short" - story of my life.....
Nice job, Eric. As usual taking care of your customer in the most cost efficient, practical way instead of over selling to make an additional dollar. Ever thought of moving to Chicagoland area? Somewhat less rust here.....
Great job! (Retired actual pro) Nothing more fun than welding rust. Well…….gas tanks too.
Eric O that welded pipe looked good to me as far as I could see. No one who isn't willing to crawl under
their own car to try and fix an exhaust issue will complain. They will be grateful to your efforts. Keep South Main Auto
fixing those cars!
The last time I welded exhaust it started resembling a porcupine before I was done. Yours looks pretty good to me.
Same here.
I third that
Awesome Job and saved the customer tons. You are a great inspiration for going above and beyond for your customers.
You did great work my friend! When in doubt with welding thin tubing, just do conjoined tacks all around the tubing.. it's much easier then trying to blast a bead all the way around and burning thru it.. I had to repair many exhuasts aswell in my day lol.
I'm no welder, and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...Looks like your skills are EXACTLY where they need to be...it fixed the car, and saved them money, and made you some money.
Nice repair! Now if only they would make aftermarket flex pipes that last a little bit longer. I've had a pretty bad experience with those Walker pipes. A year or two later and they're rusted through. Here in Pennsylvania
Road salt is no joke. They don't call it the rust belt for nothing
They're in the business of selling you pipes to fix old rusty junk, if you get two years out of them you're probably doing great 😂
@@RepairRenovateRenew road salt looks at your car like its a whole thanksgiving dinner and it weighs 600lbs
Why that spot needs a flex pipe? Go with piece of good quality solid pipe and forget about your exhaust, ,, if you find one in stainless steel will be even better, . Older pickups and vans did not have any flex pipes or harmonics,
@@mattatat1138 2 years = 20k miles. They should def hold up way longer than 20-24k miles
we need more old school humans like you who just want to help other humans . thank for another SMA video ,great as always
As a former professional welder- I'd say you did the perfect welds...get the customer out the door with minimal cost.. they'll be back for brakes
Good business idea. Not the rip off Dealers. They have now. 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Is that mig welding?
Most repair shops would just make customer buy OEM part you saved them a fortune, great job again.
excellent work EO!!
another great money saving video by SMA
I once worked in a metal fabrication shop and did a lot of custom welding on prototype construction machines. I own MIG, TIG, Stick, Spool gun and Oxy Acetylene welders in my home shop. And honestly, I didn’t see anything wrong with your welds given the exhaust pipe application and the position you were welding in. WAY better than some welds I’ve seen from other auto mechanics who just pile on lumps of cold steel with no penetration or burn through every half inch. What you were doing isn’t a job for a novice. I can tell that you’ve got more experience than you’re letting on. Well done.
SMA has a video a few years ago in which Eric creates a trailer hitch from scratch, including the welding, it was a professional job any welder would be proud of.
Great work Eric! As a past Tech Advisor for Jeep in the 90s, I resolved Grand Cherokee exhaust drone noise complaints by installing those flex pipes. They also come in varying durometer selections. Thanks for all you do!
I used to be a certified welder, i have retired from that field long ago, and let me tell you your welding skills are 100% better than some of my former certified welders who i have worked with, gret job Eric
Actually that would have been covered under the emissions warranty. Had the exact same thing happen to my Sable years ago and since the flex pipe was part of the converter it was covered. Should be 8/80 on anything emission related.
8 years or 80,000 miles?
Rust damage isnt covered. Rust states have this issue often
@@dans_Learning_Curve Yes. It didn't break off like that one but the braided part covering the spring came off so it was loud.
Difference between a real mechanic and a parts changer. Nice job!
I've just been binge watching the I C Weld channel, that guy is an artist with heavy metal...
Very humble man who always claims he's still learning . He always says this may not be the correct way to do it but this is how I do it
Cutting edge engineering is a good watch too.
This came up on my feed immediately after I watched Ivan of PHAD working on the worst wiring in the world - an engine-swapped Audi A4. So I saw a pair of skilled surgeons saving cars - Dr. Ivan, MD, PHAD, fixing shattered nerves, and Dr. Eric, MD, SMA, replacing a failed section of the EcoSport's digestive system. Well done, doctors!
Eric,
Great video and fix - thank you!
Paul (in MA)
You've gone way and beyond to help your customer save lots of $$$. Eric O. you are an awesome
I no longer feel special. I thought all the RUclips welding "experts" were only following my channel! lol
in the pile hahaha
Vehcor is in the house
Quit loafing and get your ass back to work.
Your work has been crash tested and passed. You're good...
You don't have a gnome for that?
I think you did a good job. You could insist the pipe being replaced but you saved money for your customer. Where you are rust is the worst thing in your area. Thumbs up 👍.
That’s a 2018, holy crap! Good job!
Was so good to meet you guys...... stay safe and hard working!
Your amps and wire speed are spot on. Supposed to sound like frying bacon 🥓 👍
"If your welds SOUND like frying bacon, you're doing just fine. But if your welds SMELL like frying bacon, partner, you're on fire!" -AvE
@@DaddyBeanDaddyBean sounded like pulsed to me but I could be wrong
@@Phantom-mk4kp pulsed? Everytime he layed a bead it was constant wire feed. My friend also taught me to weld with the Bacon frying statement, something I wont forget
@@Kevin-zo6nz Pulsed MIG does not vary the wire speed it varies current wave form. So you wouldn't hear the feed vary
@@Phantom-mk4kp over my head, I just point and shoot my mig lol
you tube ! Home of every armchair quarterback in the world . You do a fine job sir . Nice attitude and easy to watch .
Great video for us who've not a lot of Automotive experience, .... thank you sir!✔️👌👍🏻🇺🇲
Eric O you were a life saver on this job!!!!! Say hey to MRS O!!!!!!
Idk those welds look pretty damn good to me Eric!
I use furnace cement for exhaust leaks. Feather over the hole when it's cold, let it sit a hour and drive until warm. JB weld burns at 300, furnace cement melts at 2300
"Just like real life, it's a little bit to short!" Can i get an Amen?!
Thanks Eric , I need to do my wife's 97 Lexus {flex pipe is bad] .A replacement pipe includes The Cat . The cost to repair /a new forward pipe is more than the car is worth .This type of repair is a perfect answer !
Keep up your great videos Eric!!
Got MOT (UK Tech Inspection) tomorrow and on the VW Golf Mk4 there is a one piece Flexible pipe/CAT; this vid just reminded me that I can do this same thing, without even welding! Thanks.
I did 100s of repairs like that when i had a garage
You unhooked the Battery and during the welding the arch sounded perfect..........no complaints, perfect job
You're freaking awesome, I would let you weld my stuff any day!
Yea and you Mr.O can even weld Chris Fitzpatricks pipe whenever you like 👍
The main trouble with auto repair shops is there are too few mechanics with the integrity and skills that you exhibit everytime i see one of your videos. Great job!
Nice work, Eric! Saved that customer some serious $$. However, with the absence of brake cleaner and ugga dugga's it's a 9 out of 10. 🤣🤣🤣
What is a Ugga duggas just curious. And the brake cleaner have to do with welding,,
@@michaeltexeira6185 ugga duggas is a scientific method Eric utilizes to apply an exact amount of force. One ugga dugga, two ugga duggas, etc. Brakleen is a fan favorite due to Eric's varied uses and the sounds used to present it. For lots of us, the best videos include ugga duggas, Brakleen, Big Nasty, and lots of innuendo from Eric. I refer you to some of the tougher jobs he has had to accomplish.
Great job Eric. U saved the customer big $$$$. They wont soon forget it.
Could you do a how to do basic weld video and what setting yo put it on ? Thank you
Plenty of those on RUclips.....
South Main Auto.. Awesome job bro. And I thought I was the only one that had the RUclips "experts" commenting on my videos...
I am just learning how to weld and I love it! We joke around and instead of me laying dimes I say “ I’m laying worms” 🤣. Cuz they sure look a lot like worms when I’m done laying a bead. Lots more practice for me!
I friend once told me my welds would improve after I ran a couple of hundred pounds of rod. He was right.
Eric O.
Restoring faith in humanity, one flex at a time. Love ya, buddy!
Trolling the professional welders by not wearing your mask 🤣 .but redeeming yourself by proposingly showing you reconnecting the negative battery terminal Thanks the video 😊
I haven't met a professional welder that wont do a tack weld without a mask. In fabrication unless you're setting up for a significant amounts of welds, there's no reason to.
a 2018 model. let that sink in for a minute - that car is at MAX four years old.(if bought new in fall of 2017) WOW. I know salt does wonders to cars up north(used to live in VT) but just think about the fact that the metal in that didn't last.
that said, I am so happy to see you do a fix like this. most shops around me refuse to. I have found one local muffler shop that will do fixes like this and they're amazing. Love your videos, your attitude, and your work ethic and diagnosis process. Thanks!
Perfect timing! Thank you very much!!
You're one of the best mechanics and best people around! If I didn't live in Georgia you'd have my business and I'd be taking my car to you guys all the time!!
I've always thought your welds were great.
To buy the whole converter assembly cos' a broken flex part IS ridiculous. That fix you made was PERFECT aid for that problem!
My professional welder here in Sri Lanka who welds using a car battery whilst wearing flip flops and sunglasses says you did that wrong………😂😜
I had a 79 Trans Am SE "Bandit Edition" back in high school and college. I did a little work on the engine and put a 3" dual exhaust with Walker Redline mufflers turned down under the car just a few inches past the end of the mufflers. I used to idle through the parking lot at college and the sound and vibration would set off car alarms all through the lot. Fast car, damn fast car! Fortunately, I lived to tell about if you know what I mean. I even installed a whiskey pump that I could dispense Jim Beam into a glass in the glove box from a switch on the dash. Everybody loved that car, I sure do miss it.
"Oh, I'm a welder and I'm okay; I sleep all night and I work all day!...."
I grind my welds, I paint 'em up
They look pretty as can be.
If they fail I don't care,
You can't prove it was me.
But do you wear suspenders & a bra ?
@@peterallen4331 "I weld exhaust pipes; I skip and jump, I like to press wild flowers!...."
@@markh.6687 I put on women's clothing and hang around in bars!
Many of my best friends are welders and only a few of them are transvestites.
Nothing wrong with repairs like this. The legal stuff is still there and the stuff for engine performance and you save the customer many $$$$$$$! Unfortunately there are times you have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks but this wasn't one of them. Good job.
2018! Wow, I am really spoiled living outside the salt belt.
Something about the sound of a mig welder with the proper settings is so satisfying to me.