Exhaust Flexible Pipe with Interlock

FAQ

1. What is the function of an exhaust flex pipe with interlock?

Exhaust flex pipe with interlock is used to reduce vibration and protect the whole exhaust line. Inside the pipe there is a stainless steel interlock liner, which helps keep the exhaust flow stable and protects the braid from breaking. Compared with normal flex pipe, interlock type can hold higher temperature and more pressure. In daily cars, trucks, and some industrial machines, this type is used near engine area or places with big movement. If choose correct length and diameter, the pipe can reduce stress on manifold and prevent crack after long time running.

2. How to choose the right size for interlock flex pipe?

For size, normally measure the outer diameter of your original pipe. For example, if pipe is 2 inch OD, then choose 2 inch flex pipe. Do not choose too big size, because clamp cannot hold tight and will leak. Also do not choose too small, because pipe cannot insert and welding become difficult. Length choose based on space and movement. If engine movement big, choose 6 inch or 8 inch length; if small car or low movement, 4 inch already enough. When customer need special length, our factory can cut and weld according request.

3. What material is better for interlock flex pipe?

Most of the time customers use stainless steel, like 201, 304, or 409. 201 is cheaper and fit normal repair. 304 is more anti-rust and fit high temperature or modified use. 409 is used on many OEM pipes, good for daily use and not too expensive. Interlock inside normally use stainless steel strip, because it needs to bend many times and still keep shape. If you are not sure which material match your system, you can tell us the working environment, temperature, and engine displacement, we can suggest based on our production experience.

4. Can I install an interlock flex pipe by myself?

If you have some basic tool, you can install by yourself, but usually this flex pipe need welding. For clamp install, it is possible, but not as strong as welding, so we only suggest clamp when temporary repair. For welding, make sure pipe end clean and straight. Align the pipe first, then spot weld two points, check position again, then finish the welding. Many customers send us size and we weld both ends in factory, so they only need to cut old pipe and replace directly.

5. Why some interlock flex pipes make noise after install?

Normally noise comes from three place:

• flex pipe not aligned and touch other parts

• interlock inside loose because wrong size or bad weld

• braid too loose and hit the liner when vibration big

If this happens, check clamp or weld first. Also check if pipe too long and shake too much. Our factory uses thicker interlock strip and double-end ring weld to avoid this problem. If customer want, we can also make heavy-duty version for trucks or machines with strong vibration.

6. Can your factory make customized interlock flex pipes?

Yes. Since 1992 we produce exhaust flex pipes, clamps, bellows and other related parts. Interlock type is one of our main products. We can make size from small motorcycle pipe up to heavy truck pipe. Length, braid type, material, thickness, end connection, all can be made according your sample or drawing. For customers who are not sure about size, you can send us the measurement or even photos, we can help judge based on our experience.