See full version: Will a hacksaw cut through exhaust pipe
Choosing the right saw is the most important aspect of cutting through your exhaust pipe. A power saw cuts quickly, but can cause injury from the hot metal chips that fly through the air. A sawzall or hand-held grinder with a cut off wheel are easy options where clearance and accessibility are a problem.
Keeping this in view, what happens when you cut your exhaust? more
Just cutting off your muffler will most likely result in a louder exhaust note with maybe a few horsepower gain, but nothing you'll notice. You'll just hear more of your engine, which can be bad. Not all engines sound great without the muffler. here
If you are just replacing the flex pipe I guess the sleeve there cant be pried on so that rules out flat heads and chisles. I would try cutting off the briaded part of the flex pipe and start turning it.
That's a good idea but.
The flex pipe is thicker, harder and stronger than the muffler sleeve and everything seems to be fused by rust into one solid piece. Turning might work, but if it doesn't, the muffler sleeve could crinckle out of shape, or worse, weaken the metal and cause it to tear at the muffler.
Maybe you could cut off the braided part off as mentioned then sawing the flex pipe's inside diameter with a hacksaw to weaken it and using channelock pliers to crimp the flex pipe and turning some to loosen it. more
I had the same problem, but with a different vehicle. It looks like your Van is on the ground. You would probably have better luck if you got it up on a set of ramps or jackstands. Personally I'm more comfortable with ramps when I'm under the vehicle using that much force. here
'98 Windstar 3.8L. 85K miles. Flex pipe broke.
I am in the middle of replacing the flex pipe. I took the front two bolts out no problem. But the rear of the flex pipe was inserted into a section from the muffler by pure friction. Maybe it gets a bit rusty in there. I have soaked the thing with WD-40 for 2 hours so far but still no matter what the flex pipe would not slide out from the muffler. [links]
You'll need to decide on whether to cut the liner before or after the installation, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. more
If you plan on cutting it before installing, you will be able to work more comfortably. Cutting it on the ground it allows for stable footing and extra hands if needed. But you will need VERY accurate measurements for the total length. Make sure to add 3 inches above the top of the chimney for the top plate collar that secures the liner. Once you are sure of your measurements, mark the liner. I suggest wrapping a piece of duct tape or masking tape at that mark to ensure a straighter cut. DO NOT try to follow one of the seams on a flexible liner while cutting, you could end up 3 inches off by the time you get all the way around! here
A good pair of gloves and safety glasses are essential; the liner will be sharp! If cutting it on the ground, wrap duct tape around the cut end for your safety.
If you plan on cutting the liner after the installation (my preference), the collar on the top plate gives you a good reference point for a straight cut. Everything will be connected and there will be no doubt if you will have enough liner. Make sure you have a long enough extension cord, if you are going to need one, and if you are working from a ladder, do not try to over reach. [links]
Once the blade begins to cut, gradually lengthen the stroke and push harder but only slightly — let the blade do the work. [links]
A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw, originally and mainly made for cutting metal. Hacksaws use thin blades to cut metal and plastics and other materials that can’t be cut with ordinary saws.
Blades are rated in TPI, or Teeth Per Inch, each of which is suited for cutting different materials and thicknesses. more
For example, you can use one to cut bolts that are too long or saw through a PVC plastic pipe easily. Most hacksaws are hand saws with a C-shaped walking frame that holds a blade under tension.
Start your cut with light, short strokes. This will make a small notch that helps the saw settled into the cut without sliding left and right. [links]
Catus Maximus reviews both Compact and full-size metal cutting hand hacksaws, including: more