Can You Weld Cast Iron? 2008 Sierra Silverado 6.6 DURAMAX Exhaust Manifold

[@richb.4374]

Tap the hole in the manifold and install a plug.

[@johncooper4637]

My concern would be metal particles from the tapping operation getting into the cat. Possibly could take the exhaust pipe off and vacuum out the manifold. If the exhaust manifold is cast iron it is not easy to weld.

[@cmdrclassified]

@@johncooper4637 Just use ample amounts of grease on the drill bit and tap, as well as use a shop vac with a crevice tool near the working area. I would also use a steel plug. Biggest risk is breaking off the drill or tap, since the cast iron is severely work hardened. Time and patience. o7

[@user-st3vu2bv5w]

Didn't see your comment until I posted mine. Knee jerk reaction.

[@user-st3vu2bv5w]

@@johncooper4637 Greasing the flutes will capture the chips..

[@ginog5037]

Tap and plug the hole or get a professional welder.

[@TimmyTechTV]

I love the diags, keep them on the main channel!

[@DavidCrew-e5j]

For the high mileage, it seems that it was well cared for!

[@larryhank6430]

Diagnosis videos great way for a customer to see what you found wrong without them having to be there. Also helps you as documentation for yourself.

[@mtn.homeforge351]

It is a good tool for communication to the customer. That way they can see it to.

[@Onewheelordeal]

There's been a couple vids like a Ram 1500 fuel tank where he talks about going back to the video to see like a plug he forgot to connect when putting up the tank

[@Boodieman72]

AC is important in the cold as it is used in the defrost setting to remove excess water from inside.

[@Taylor42779]

I love how you say 20°C is cold, that's literally a nice summer day here in Scotland lol

[@paulocarvalho6480]

Same here in "sunny" Ireland.😂

[@Dodgystitch]

I put something similar and got negative comments , it's a nice spring/summer day in UK lol

[@Ronskutin]

Same here in Finland ;) Summer start +15 C ;)

[@REDBIRD-95]

Yup, 20 C is a hot and balmy day in Eastern Ontario Canada😁 Shorts and T-shirt weather!

[@johnt.848]

Farhenheit or Celcius, Ray speaks in deprecated measurements still.

[@johnmarino4085]

I’d tap and plug the hole or install exhaust temp sensor

[@Dave-ty2qp]

I wish you would do more of these. It's like when you first sstarted and diagnosing was step one and seeeing whether the customer approved for repair. It's honest. I miss videos like this Ray.

[@Onewheelordeal]

This video reminded me I almost forgot about the doodly doo days

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@Onewheelordeal Yes, I miss that too. But I'm sure Ray will never miss that LOL He had to listen to it day after day for a long time.

[@jamesfernandez6801]

Always liked the doodly doo.

[@KHALABEEB]

Ray, as also said by others, Drill and Tap the hole and install a plug. It will last longer than trying to weld cast iron..

[@artillerest43rdva7]

great way to give an accurate estimate for repairs on a vehicle. plus giving an over all review of the condition of the auto to see if it would be a good investment or not.

[@satguy]

Your diagnostic and recommendation procedure seems solid to me. Addresses their concerns, recommend solutions, and build a relationship. That's what it's all about.

[@LouisPiche-s1t]

You're a natural diagnostic connoisseur Ray. Enjoy your mechanical experiences passed on to all You Tubers audiences.

[@donw3912]

These diag videos are a great idea. Plus you can tell the customer to check them out and choose their route of repairs if they so choose.

[@alanm.4298]

With 380K miles on it, I'd say they are getting their money's worth out of that truck and it makes sense to spend some money on most of the fixes you mentioned. With a few repairs now, maybe they can hit the million mile mark!

[@olivethrush7450]

Short and sweet. Just as like them. Diagnosis and then repair later. Works for me thanks.

[@landonashby2029]

This is a great idea for customers. The short & dirty. I inspected your car and this is what I found. This is a nice service to offer stand alone. Even if you never work on the vehicle.

[@patrickgoodwin3085]

Knowledge is power. Diagnose and follow where it leads. You are a master of your craft.

[@coreywilliams3475]

I can't to see Ray welding bolts to the block again. Those were some of the best videos...😂😂😂

[@michaelpressman7203]

I admire the way you extracted broken bolts

[@isleofthanet]

They do that on Bus Grease Monkey too

[@paultercier2552]

Having the diagnostic chain to follow helps me to understand what is going on, even though I won't be fixing much anymore. There is still value in having knowledge of why it is the way it is. Thanks Ray

[@MonkeyJedi99]

One thing watching Ray has helped me with, as a non-mechanic, is to better understand WHY the shop takes three days and charges the hours they do for what used to be a simple job on 1980's vehicles. If I owned a vehicle that required something insane, like say, taking the valve covers off the change the fuel injectors? I'd be VERY tempted to leave it unlocked in a parking lot with the keys "accidentally" left on the seat.

[@chrishebert5672]

I like this type of video, too, Ray. I don't need to see you spending 5-10 minutes to screw in an actuator, for example, or watch you remove a wheel. I usually fast forward through those parts, which works for me and those who like to see every one of a dozen bolts removed from a part. Watching you diagnose a problem is interesting. Oh, and my initial thoughts on that hole was to tap and plug. That's why the hole was drilled, to tap it and install a sensor. Simply tap it and install a plug.

[@blackenigma1054]

I think you are giving the customer good options👍🏿😂

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Nothing better than a DirtyMax video on hump day!!

[@GhostlyMonk]

If someone send me a vid of what they diagnose, I would be ecstatic, they would have my business for as long as I live, and I would recommend them to everyone! Love that you started including the metric system as well, it's easier to relate to.

[@trshorte]

I like the diagnostic video's the best and I like the shortness of them as I don't always have time in the morning for an hour long video. Either way, keep doing what you're doing.

[@kevinhadley624]

Love this type of video! Would love to hear the customer come back and say - Get 'r done! Fix the A/C properly, I'm keeping this truck for the long haul.

[@lokigames5091]

Great way for the customer to see what you see with the explanation, I would definitely be more inclined to follow suggestions of what has to be done

[@SYH653]

We've come so far with components that no longer require regular maintenance, but squishy rubber bushings make me think fondly of the solid steel bushings on my '67 C20. Leaking petroleum products make them work better...so long as said LPP don't wash the grease out.

[@faithwalk2cor578]

Would love to see a lot more of your diagnostic videos.

[@aperson9495]

You could also potentially tap and plug the manifold hole. If the hole is too big for a 1/8 NPT, see if the next size up would work.

[@NeoMaruLLB]

They sell o-ring kits for those lower hose connections too if that's just what it is vs replacing the whole hose.

[@jdesaavedra0432]

Tap the hold and install a plug. Nothing to lose. Don't worry about spilling the coolant. That will happen overnight if you do nothing. I remember many years ago, driving through Miama in the winter. I was driving with my windows open and people were hurrying along the sidewalks wearing long coats.

[@StevenDaugherty-uo5cs]

Truck needs some love that's for sure. Seems to be a lot of controversy regarding threading and plugging the exhaust manifold. Aside from that I'm wondering if losing exhaust gas and pressure on that side is having any effect on the O2 sensors for that bank. Hopefully we'll see this over on the main channel soon.

[@Papieck37]

Fantastic video Ray.... Lots of small-big Jobs on that truck

[@johnmcanulty7341]

I'm thinking this is a most excellent idea to document the existing conditions, do a preliminary diagnostic that is now public record, will aid the operator, stakeholders, taxpayers and perhaps, private owners to help them explain/justify the work. May also be useful for return work that was declined for various reasons. Do you or, can you tag a vehicle to a video so, you may search/find video for that vehicle or similar that pass thru your shop? Local, State, Federal government would love to have this level of accountability for their acquisitions dept. to maintain their motor pools.

[@kevincurry4735]

For the miles that trucks looks to be in good condition.

[@benh580]

Two videos in one day!?!? Killing it bro

[@brucecampbell3062]

In Saskatchewan as well. 20* c, turn on air conditioner. Then go ice fishing 😅

[@jimwhalen6769]

I agree with others, tap the hole and plug it! That is what I did on my 6.6 Duramax.

[@sterlingmyers560]

quick and easy, drill, tap and plug the manifold

[@fubartotale3389]

You already have the hole in the manifold just tap it and put a pipe plug in there. Where am I wrong here?

[@davebaker489]

Nothing quite like video evidence of the diagnosis.

[@BANGDANGOW45]

Man i wish i lived closer to florida.. o5 lly duramax head gaskets are needing changed. Amarillo tx is where i am.

[@paulocarvalho6480]

If the customer decides to replace the manifold, best option is to soak the bolts with penetrating oil several times the day before. That way it will be easier to do the job.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Otherwise hot wrench

[@paulocarvalho6480]

Maybe also consider changing the screws to prevent breaking.

[@victorbellan8357]

Saw the compressor clutch slipping when engaged!

[@mikeh6876]

Enjoyable feature - thanks.......... About the A/C - might be a leaky TXV..........

[@jovangrbic97]

Why not just weld the manifold? or just tap and plug the hole?

[@bradhaines3142]

he doesnt know how to weld. couldnt be sure it would hold

[@billmurray4895]

You might want to use the uv refrigerate dye to check for leaks.

[@Ukjon72]

I like the diag videos the most, I think having them on the main channel would be good?

[@DavidMiller-q1e]

Rainman Ray's Off Duty and Diagnostics at your service..

[@butchromig824]

run a tap in the manifold and put a plug in it,easier than welding cast iron!!

[@golf25radioman]

Is the exhaust manifold hole/leak the boost issue? All other components were okay, correct? The A/C - I thought maybe you should have put some dye in the system to check that condenser. You are the expert, I'll defer to you. Loved you taking us along on the diag of this vehicle. Following up from the under dash repair of the Saturn, how things move in a repair shop. Ah, the days of old are being reminded for me. lol Thanks, Ray!

[@clifdavis9013]

I just waited 8 weeks for a steering gear from GM for my ‘16 2500.

[@johncarter5473]

I like how "Thing" is the normal character on Ray's channels.

[@patrickchavez3848]

The thought of removing those bolts on the exhaust is a waking nightmare!

[@jerrymoore7669]

Drill and tap the hole for a plug or weld a short bolt in it.

[@carlmaruyama6863]

I will be very interested in watching your replace the steering gear as well as if the lower radiator hose and/or the radiator is replaced.

[@DonaldWells-wk8dc]

My fave...everythings is to a give point...point given🤔 So how much is that? and when?

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Love your videos, watched all the way to end to hear my bews!!!

[@shannononeil2751]

On a high mileage work vehicle like this, I wouldn't recommend risking braking the exhaust bolts and opening that can of worms. Not worth it to you or the owner, to replace the exhaust manifold. That hole looks symmetrical and an easy fix just capping it with a short bolt or plug. Welding it closed wouldn't be my first choice. More value for the owner addressing the steering box leak, damaged steering linkage and coolant leak..

[@felgercarb3803]

+20 celsius is a normal summer day here in Denmark.

[@jamesfalconer74]

@taylor42779 yup short shorts weather in bonnie dundee...scottish summer 3 days ha ha ha ha

[@steveschwab922]

Great video diagnosing.

[@MrJet30]

I like these Diag videos 👍

[@davidbalch3216]

Good job, High milage trans service and rear diff?

[@rogergray114]

20 degs C , I’d be sweating me nuts off back here across the pond ! 😅

[@patrickdiehl6813]

Drill and tap a NPT hole and use a NPT plug. It won't go anywhere.

[@bobbg9041]

I hate to break it to you, but you can not weld cast iron, you can braze it But weld won't stick. It might but its going to fall out. Drill and tap the hole and plug it. Has to be pipe threads because Cast iron expands and shrinks at different rates then steel. Best to use a cast iron plug.

[@bobbg9041]

12:45 ok, you can not wire weld cast iron and many welders can't do it, however you might be able to stick weld with the right rod and technics, in other words you cannot weld cast iron and some types can't be welded at all. This would require a highly skilled welder to plug that hole correctly. Your better off drilling and taping it for a cast iron plug.

[@markredf150]

This one has the same yellow oil filter upgrade like the Escarado😝

[@mdmcolt]

Enjoyed the video 👍👍

[@timetryp422]

If this was the truck with a hole in the manifold, could a stubby carriage bolt have been put in the hole and welded over? Then there would be minimal chance of welding debris getting inside the manifold.

[@OnceIHadAPony]

ty!!!!

[@egyphon]

Great video, nice format.

[@DaveBigDawg]

Drill and tap the hole and put a threaded plug in it

[@johnt.848]

It would be cheaper to tap a thread into the manifold's hole and plug it. That way the owner can use it if they desire.

[@curtb.9450]

When its winter in florida its still summer temps for up north it seams likeand what are the day time temps for there in the winter months

[@WhiskeyDale]

thats a lot of miles on a vehicle. Time for the parts cannon !

[@1DarkStorm]

I said GOOD DAY!

[@warrenhall829]

gday ray. 20 c is a hot day here at the bottom of newzealand. lol.

[@desotosky1372]

If it is a drilled hole in the manifold, can it be tapped and plugged in place? Avoid bolt carnage.

[@suunto61]

great video... Skills

[@mechanictaft4848]

Ive got 422.486 on my 2011 shitvalanche!!!!

[@brianmiller-iz6vf]

I would have just cut a 3/8 diameter bolt down to 1/4 long, and used it to fill the hole and then welded it in. Less welding wire needed.

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

tap out the hole in the manifold and screw a bolt in?

[@Mech7.3]

Keep up the diag videos.!✌️🇺🇸

[@Dodgystitch]

I love how you guys in florida think that 20c is on the cooler side , that's a perfect spring gardening day in the UK. At the minute it is 11c but feels like 8c (52f / 46f)

[@patrickchavez3848]

I love how you guys in the UK think you all are the top of the ant hill. 52° in Florida is a cold day since they are used to 85 and higher. I would find it depressing having cold all day every day even in what's supposed to be summer.

[@atomicforcegaming2867]

Your opinion stopped mattering in 1776.

[@bradhaines3142]

maybe you guys should try out a florida summer. when you get used to 110F and 90% humidity, youll understand how 20c is 'on the cooler side'

[@Dodgystitch]

And here's me thinking people were nice in America clearly you 3 aren't included

[@bradhaines3142]

@@Dodgystitch just saying you should consider the scale of reference.

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Let's do it!

[@hooptyman40]

Traded in ford new

[@LilYeshua]

Commercial trucks have metal screens in front of the condenser, radiator, intercooler. That makes for a good rock and bird and bug guard

[@keithsnow2039]

Over a third of a million miles! Who says they don't make 'em like they used to.

[@jamesnall569]

Hey Ray, do you give your customer the video of the diagnostic or show the customer the problem(s) in person?

[@kennybaumann2117]

Will fixing the hole eliminate the boost pressure issue?

[@andrewandronicou4280]

Good video

[@danacoyle1826]

Why replace the exhaust manifold if you can tap it and plug it also to weld cast iron you need to preheat it and use a nickel rod

[@scottwheeler2494]

Hey Ray - what are you having to pay for "freon" now days. Roughly - I understand that you may need to protect your pricing numbers. It's been decades since I had to buy it.

[@dennisphillips9089]

Could'nt you be able to tap the hole and add a plug?

[@mlieser1230]

With that amount of mileage I'd just tap and plug the manifold hole.

[@stevewhite3424]

Has anyone mentioned to tap the hole and.plug with a bolt yet?

[@qgkyncy]

This truck spent about a 3rd of its life hauling cattle and hay.

[@MasterX767]

That hole in the exhaust manifold looks like someone drilled it out. Was something supposed to go there?

[@felderup]

service truck... makes me think you should get buddybuddy with edison.