Making exhaust systems last... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

190D22 · #1 07-11-2002, 11:27 PM

I was thinking... Is rustoleum suitable for a diesel exhaust system? I am going to get my entire system -manifold replaced and I want to make it last as long as possible. Is there something I can paint it with to keep it from rusting as quickly or at all?

Kyle Blackmore · #2 07-11-2002, 11:54 PM

Try High temp paint or BBQ refinishing paint(?).The BBQ stuff is more of a coating than a paint but the hi-temp paint is available in several colors.Good luck

lrg · #3 07-12-2002, 02:30 AM

I hate to tell you but many exhaust systems rust from the inside out. Water is a normal byproduct of combustion and when you first start up, the water vapor in the hot exhaust gases condense on the inside of the exhaust system(ever see water coming out of the exhaust of the car ahead of you, especially a cold day?). If you drive in a lot of salt you might get a small improvement in exhaust system life with zinc paint but mostly you need to start with a quality zinc coated or stainless steel system and alway run the car long and hard enough to let the whole exhaust system heat up enough to get all the water out of it. Short runs on cold days are killers, it can even cause water to pool up inside the system which is a sure way to lead to early rust through.

#4 07-12-2002, 03:57 AM

www.timevalve.com

engatwork · #5 07-12-2002, 06:03 AM

What will cause early exhaust system failure is driving short distances. My sister had an Acura that she drove to work for years (less than 2-3 miles each way) and she had to replace the exh system two or three times in 100k miles. Try not to use the car for ONLY trips that are less than 2-3 miles. It is also hard on the engine and is considered severe duty.

ajb · #6 07-12-2002, 08:41 AM

My Dad, after installing a new exhaust system would religiously drill a small hole or two on the bottom of the newly installed muffler.

He suggested that it would drain the water that was sitting inside the muffler - due to combustion.

I'm not sure if this really made a difference, - but I remember in my youth driving days drilling lots of holes in the bottom of the Plymouth Fury's muffler in an attempt to get a more aggressive sound from our slant six. The end result - no aggressive sounds - except from my Dad :p

Aivars

#7 07-12-2002, 12:02 PM

190D22........Here is a link to a website that might be just what you're looking for.I have used their products and they are guaranteed.Hope it helps.Joe

www.por15.com

JoelS · #8 07-12-2002, 12:39 PM

I'm almost embarrassed to admit it but I had some POR-15 left over from fixing some minor rust and went ahead and painted the muffler with it. It had a slight rattle to go along with an unsightly rusty color. It looks better black...and I swear the rattle is gone.

POR-15 has a short shelf life, so once it's open you might as well go ahead and take care of any other rusty items you can find. In my case, once done with the car, I attacked an old wheelbarrow, a neighbor's trailer, some finials, etc. It's pretty amazing stuff but VERY messy. It'll stain your hands for days.

Joel

DJChillfit · #9 07-12-2002, 04:59 PM

AJB, interesting that you mention drilling holes in the exhaust. My mechanic recently suggested I see a muffler shop about getting some work done.

So, I went to the shop yesterday, got the car lifted, and we took a look. The guy basically told me that if the sound of the car wasn't bothering me, just to keep driving until I feel compelled to get it fixed, why spend $500-$800 today when I can spend it tomorrow? The pipes have a few rust blisters, but no holes yet.

Anyway, getting to the point, one of the mufflers has a small hole, and he said it was actually not a bad thing, because water would be unable to sit in there and create further rust, instead it would just leak out, with very little difference in sound. Looks like your dad was right ;-)

Simon
78 280E "Sally"

Ken300D · #10 07-12-2002, 06:25 PM

Seems like stainless steel would work. But that would put a lot of people out of work.........

Exhaust system repair is a big money industry, from a cumulative view.

Ken300D

190D22 · #11 07-12-2002, 11:30 PM

Well when I talk to my shop tomorrow morning I will mention to them that stainless steel site. The price is definately worth it! 400 bucks once is sooo much better than 300 bucks every 30K miles.