cracked exhaust header repair?

[randymack]

I have a 97 wrangler sport. the exhaust header has a crack. a weld is a quick easy solution,no?


how much to repair you think?


heard the part is on ebay for $250



thanks

R~

 

[Boze]

JB Weld it if you don't have a welder or are not an experienced welder. Just prep the surfface with a wire wheel/brush and rubbing alcohol. I'm 99% sure JB will handle the heat. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this please.

 

[SteelHeadz]

On an I6 exaust manifold, it usually cracks where the pipes join together on the collector area. It would be best to remove the Exaust manifold to weld the cracks but this would only be a bandaid, Not a permanent fix. If you have the manifold that does NOT have the flex tubes on both ends of the manifold(#1 and #6 cylinder) ,then you have the old design that's notorious for cracking. The new Design has this flex tubes to accomodate the heat flexing the pipes as they heat up..

 

[BESRK]

I've welded a few 4 and 6 cyl headers.. usually charge a case of beer if the person removes it and brings it to my shop.

 

[randymack]

I've welded a few 4 and 6 cyl headers.. usually charge a case of beer if the person removes it and brings it to my shop.

any chance your in Arizona besrk?

 

[Utah_jeepster]

The problem with just welding up the crack is that it is only a matter of time that it will crack again.
The 97-2000 exhaust manifolds had a inherent flaw at the collector tube where all the pipes mated in not allowing enough flex from the furthest cylinders and heat build up. Welding is a temp fix, your going to have to pull it any way and any local weld shop should do the job for under 25$. Insist on Tig welding to get 100% penetration and added material.
But in the long run you might start saving for a new header with flex tubes for your jeep.

 

[jps4jeep]

wasn't just TJ's, the 91-95 HO motor is also notorious for cracking. replacing it is the best method to fix the problem.

 

[kis86]

They've got oe replacements on eBay motors for between 60-70 bucks with free shipping, and they have the flex tubes. I'm buying one this week because mine cracked too

 

[randymack]

yeah someone just posted that for me. buying one as well. hope it works for another 80,000!!!!

 

[kis86]

Does anyone have an opinion on these two? One's a little more spendy than the other, and I'm just not sure if there's a difference in quality.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Does anyone have an opinion on these two? One's a little more spendy than the other, and I'm just not sure if there's a difference in quality.

It's difficult to tell the Quality of those 2 Manifolds in the pic. The quality is contingent on the wall thickness of the pipes and the flanges. Mandrel bent pipes are also better . If you could get the specs. from the manufacturer, you can make the comparison and descision on which one to purchase. Since both of them has the flex pipes on them, that in itself is already an improvement from the original design..