Ford Flex With A Bad Flex!?

I am getting exhausted with the flex puns on this one but it's time to flex some creativity and save this lady some money on replacing the front pipe. At any rate come along as I swap out a broken flex pipe on a 2019 Ford Flex.
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@freetolook3727]

For being a self described rank amateur, that weld job looked pretty professional to me! 😂😂

[@shadetreemech290]

Yeah, me too.

[@jimskinner2777]

I think he is just a modest person. He is so talented and very very smart. I love watching him diagnose electrical systems he is so methodical, but he will tell you he is no professional.

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

Such a Chevy hater 🙉🙈😡

[@BarkingDog-ho6el]

If you are getting paid for it and it works, that makes you a professional in my book too.

[@ronaldclark1178]

Eric, I have been welding exhaust pipes for over 50 years and have seen several PROFESSIONAL WELDERS that couldn't weld exhaust pipes. If it holds and doesn't leak, it's good. Great job as usual!!

[@sawtooth4615]

When I got my first car in the early 60s, it was a six cylinder. So of course I had to have the manifold split so it sounded better. From there I welded the second pipe from the manifold on out. Dad had a stick welder but I brazed everything and yes, there were many cracks and broken welds. But that's what made it fun............... lol

[@Boodieman72]

To be fair, pipe welding is a specialized skill.

[@jormalonnberg1578]

@@Boodieman72 Yeah, if you weld highpressure pipes, gas or liquid, but exhaust no, if you get it not leaking and not looking as porcupine it is ok on old exhaust pipe.

[@kenj.8897]

That sawzall blade has 48 more cuts in it

[@molokoplus3]

How about the slag down your shirt? You just laid some knowledge brother.

[@shawn_530]

Thanks to the SMA channel I now find myself shouting “CHEVY THUNDER!” whenever a particularly loud vehicle passes by…

[@missulu]

Back before I was a welder, and I was an exhaustologist, specializing in rust growth, the one thing I would do differently is just have you do it!lol!

[@splice247]

I've been a local 196 pipe fitter for 187 years, and self proclaimed exhaust expert of the year 10 years running, what a hack

[@Jazzyj69]

Your welding machine was set very close. (Voltage and amperage) Just hearing how your machine was running tells most of the story (being a welder myself). Looks like you did a great job with the exhaust pipe. I wish I had a garage with a lift in it 😢. But keep up the great work you do and keep the videos coming. Stay safe (you and your family) 🙏

[@denniswelch6005]

Let me say this about good small family owned repair shops. I had a similar issue and chain muffler shops say”Cat back” every time.$1000-$1300 I took it to a small shop. In and out in 2 hours with a piece of pipe welded in and $120.00 cost Thanks SMA and all the shops like you.

[@agostinodibella9939]

Nice job Eric! I always enjoy videos like this where you can save the customer money and get a little more life out of these vehicles.

[@parochial2356]

Yes, and make a small, reasonable profit. A win-win situation.

[@barrygordon5223]

Great repair job Eric! Nice for your neighborhood to know that they have an honest garage owner that will take the initiative to save them some money and not take them to the cleaners. Awesome! 👍😁

[@dailydriver8280]

Another sighting of that rare, seldom-seen breed. An honest mechanic that does stellar work. Great work, Mr.O. Already looking forward to the next one.

[@PhillyDee215]

I remember the episode when Eric 1st showed us that welder.....one of thee best welders at the time and still is

[@truthsmiles]

What is it? A flux core?

[@jefferp]

My professional opinion is Eric O is an expert at MIG welding old heat cycled rusty metal to new metal. Good job!

[@parochial2356]

I wouldn't be surprised if Eric has a side hustle inspecting and certifying welds at nuclear power plants, just too humble to admit it.

[@jamram9924]

@@parochial2356 He did with Nasa and their Space Shuttle program. He was forced to retire after the fleet was retired.

[@parochial2356]

@@jamram9924 Yeah, that's when he sent a job application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

My professional opinion for SMA is. You saved the customer some (alot) money!

[@paulaconnaghan1626]

Having grow up in Midwest and being a mechanic I don’t miss the rust . Moved to west coast in 1976 and the couldn’t believe how long vehicles live rust free. Great vids and long live the automotive repair professionals.

[@jonbingham3595]

I LOVE YOU BROTHER. I USUALLY DON'T COMMENT I JUST ENJOY YOU'RE VIDEOS. I'M AN OLD MECHANIC TRYING TO KEEP UP TO WORK ON MY OWN VEHICLE. THINGS CHANCGE SO FAST AND I'VE BEEN OUT OF THE INDUSTRY FOR 20 YEARS BECAUSE I'M DISABLED AND CAN NOLONGER DO WHAT I LOVE. I WAS IN MY TIME 1BOF THE BEST DIAGNOSIS TECH. HOW TIME FLIES. JUST YESTERDAY I WAS 16, NOW I'M PUSHING 60! CRAZY. GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR US.

[@williamsanders6092]

Eric you amaze me with the knowledge and skill you apply in repairing existing parts. Your skill is unmatched in automotive repair.

[@greggc8088]

I'm sure your customers appreciate your ability to do just about any job they have need of. Good work!

[@whoak302]

You're welding disclaimer had me rolling 😂

[@shadetreemech290]

Yeah, you could just see where he was coming from.

[@DirectCurrent4u]

That weld was much better the the weld that my local (Route 66 Muffler) did on my Cat Back exhaust system on my Cummins! Keep up the great work Eric and don't let anybody tell you you're not a good welder!🙏🏻👍

[@warplanes]

As long as its sealed and holds together for the useful life of the exhaust, that's the level of weld we're aiming for. 😊

[@4englishlies875]

As a non professional welder myself( no experience) I think you did a heck of a job.😊

[@shanehaskins8347]

Eric I retired after 40 years of being a welder in the welding trade. Everything from CWB to Tssa certification.(Canada) Trust me, with your minimum trade knowledge you are better than most trade welders. Don't worry about the arm chair quarterbacks, no explanation necessary.

[@glennbarker222]

Those welds weren't too shabby in the end. And they didn't seem to be leaking, so all is good and you saved the customer a bit of cash. Nice job.

[@deziking]

it was actually pretty impressive. Good shit .

[@dustcommander100]

That MIG welder sounded like it was set up exactly perfect. From what I could see of the welds, they were beautiful. I would have trouble being humble if I could do what you do, but I see that I need to remain humble. Very humble.

[@MichaelSmith-dg1fb]

It's better to be good at everything, than great at one thing. And you seem to be good at what you do. Honest mechanic and you help people who know nothing about what they drive. People don't buy cars because they know how to fix them. If I lived up there near you, the dealer would only see my taillights as I drove off. Never to touch my car again. You are a rare breed .

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Well done , you saved the woman heaps of money by being a good service person , keep up the great work . Thanks for the movie.

[@dmakk861]

In a few years up in the rust belt, ma'am all we could salvage from the exhaust is the flex pipe beautifully welded.

[@irvinmyers5731]

I’ve been welding high pressure pipe and welding platforms offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and I think you’re a very good welder so don’t knock your skills. You’re the man

[@jafo461]

Anyone that’s ever sawzall’d with a long blade knows you were working sharper end. I love that pipe expander. You have all the cool tools. Cheers.

[@williamwood6531]

You did a good job and very reasonable for your customer! Well done Eric O!

[@mitchmerle5774]

After watching this channel for a year I am fully convinced this guy can do it all. These videos have to contribute to a nice increase in business for him. It’s well deserved. Thanks Eric and Mrs O.

[@davidshellhaas1730]

Love all your disclaimers on the welding and it is such a shame you have to. Thanks for another great video Eric

[@shadetreemech290]

Ditto!

[@Blasterxp]

I think, no need

[@MazichMusic]

Viewers on YT tend to be critical of the content creators.

[@vg3430]

He doesn’t have to…he does it because he knows it will actually increase comments (just like the ones you a I made) which in turn generates revenue.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Great welding excellent repair!

[@funnypranker34]

Welds look beautiful Eric. Also I’m quite shocked that a 4 year old vehicle already needs exhaust work. My 1990 bmw’s exhaust only had just a couple holes in it after 30 years. It’s been fixed now but even the original flex pipes are still holding up. They leak a bit but it’s still quiet and that car was in Chicago all it’s life.

[@bigsparky8888]

WELDING...YOU ARE A MASTER TECH...MULTI FACETED!!!!

[@ohdeerme]

Eric - Professional job again. In the future use this "Disclaimer" - I'm not a professional welder but I do play one on KZbin. - As per the welder's comment & mine you now are KZbin certified by us both !!!

[@wingman8447]

Nice work. More than good enough. Thank you.

[@hamishr2367]

Awesome that you actually try to save the customer some expense....very nicely done

[@clyde80226]

Great video! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@boblynch7348]

I applaud a man who knows how to set his mig machine for a proper "short arc" weld.

[@vic745]

Looks awesome way better than some repairs I've seen

[@colin4850]

Nothing wrong with that welding Mr O , you can weld my pipes up anytime 👍👍👍

[@miketeeveedub5779]

If it wasn't for "bird turds" or "Booger welds" I'd have no welds at all. I gotta stop using flux core MIG wire and buy some damn CO2/Argon tanks already - those welds were beautiful! Cheers Mr. O!

[@archibaldgeorge8916]

you weld better than some the guys who worked with me over the years

[@robstar293]

Love the disclaimer on welding, not going to the moon etc. Thanks for giving me a good laugh.

[@palladini9718]

We once had Ford Escape that needed the flex pipe replaced, so go to Speedy Muffler, and they told they do not do that, but they did tell us about a place who does. So we go there, and it is an Industrial strip mall, he takes our car in, we wait outside (it was summertime), and 30 minutes later we had the vehicle back, fixed!

[@randybeard6040]

Seeing Eric Weld the Exhaust Pipe Brings me Back to the Old Days when we used a Coat Hanger and a Torch to Braze Exhaust Pipe Conn. Together--it would still work but the New Coat Hangers generally have to much anti-rust coatings on them...

[@mikeberry304]

Nice one Eric , you just saved your customer a load of money and done another great repair , well done

[@leopage2728]

After 40+ years of welding, starting out with stick Welders and ending up running laser welders. I say you did a fine job there buddy. Enjoy your videos.

[@williamschmitz971]

Wish we had a mechanic near us that is genuinely good towards their customers! Ours are all about upselling!

[@turbobus6731]

Your welding looked fine and the arc sounded perfect, my reply to the “pros”,,,,, “didn’t say my welds were good lookin’, said I was a good lookin’ welder”😂🤣

[@jeffsimonar7161]

I am a professional welder, and it looks great from my chair. Good job, Eric.👍🏼

[@davidzelkowski9948]

I would say that was an excellent application of the hot metal glue gun. Well done Eric!!!

[@Treeves30]

As Derek at VGG says, "If it works, is it wrong?". Fantastic fix/solution to save the lady from what the stealership or muffler place would have cost since they would just have hung some new parts on the car.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Another first! I've never seen a drive shaft and exhaust follow the same path. Thanks Eric!

[@derekfriday7931]

"I should see if I have a blade any duller than this one" 😂 I was not ready for that this early in the morning

[@DIYDaveOK]

Awesome as always, thanks Eric!

[@robhunter2435]

Nice welding job! Looks very professional

[@jimbriggs70]

Do love your comments on the products and why you use the parts you use. It keeps me from wondering why you went with what I consider lower quality components. And I hope you understand that your videos is a large reason for my attitude. I used to think cheapest is " more gooder " but at 76 years of age I have developed the mindset of thinking . "I WANT TO INSTALL THE PART THAT LAST THE LONGEST OR AT LEAST AS LONG AS I DO " and damn the cost. I have become lazy in my old age.

[@trekOCLVone]

I like your low tech repairs - no wild parts cannon action ! Good job sir !

[@Roger-hp1yg]

Cool video. I enjoy the videos you put on here. Thank you. 👍👍

[@ladamurni]

If I could weld only half as good as you just did, I would be very happy!

[@craigstubbs1991]

"I am not a welder'" Bull. You did a great job. Have you seen Rainman Ray use a welder or a torch? Now, HE scares me.

[@pophamlarry]

You never cease to amaze Eric.. Very impressive idea...😊

[@sidvis7235]

You may not be a 'professional' welder, Eric, but that's some of the best pipe welds I've seen! 😊

[@bobmanzi7712]

the weld looked perfect from here, great stuff thanks

[@raymondstucker1609]

Eric u had that machine set up perfect. I always listen to the sound when welding. Thanks for sharing

[@stevenpetty1694]

Mr. O excellent repair 👍

[@danielluber209]

Fantastic Job!! Thank you for doing it your way and not speeding up the camera. I LOVE watching you weld and when cutting stuff off..

[@ryanwaltos2206]

Had the exhaust rot in the split in my old Subaru Outbacks. Dropped the whole pipe systems from the front junctions, did a complete weld and fill. I put a flat top piece of heavy metal on the top of the Wye to keep salt belt rust maker water from collecting there and rotting again. Held for a few years until i sold the car.

[@yhird]

Great welding work Eric. Cheers.

[@80SWoods]

I have to say, it’s nice to see a mechanic still using old school pneumatic tools when so many have switched to electric.

[@raynetorrin]

WHAT???? I CANT HEAR YOU! DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?

[@80SWoods]

@@raynetorrin HAHAHA!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yeah all these other guys in their big clickity clacky battery tools. Granted I have several but you just can't beat air at the end of the day 👍

[@aldonco]

I still prefer air tools over electric. I don't want to be a slave to batteries.

[@richardluce775]

That extra double tap on trigger when your done is almost well………..

[@GetReal3327]

Great job Eric, you can only do what is right for what it is, but that the end of the day, it works as it should, and saves your customer a lot of money. Have a nice day Eric O

[@mattbrown5511]

You did better than the last muffler shop I went to. My hat is off to you.

[@ejwxb2561]

Excellent Eric, well done!

[@shopteachr3014]

I have a 2017 which I guess is similar underneath. I’ve not really seen what it looks like from below so thank you! Hopefully I don’t have that same exhaust but with my luck - Keep up the great work.

[@mikevonkleist6767]

Different video but may I share this observation. I've been at this for 40 years and when ever I watch you work it inspires me to go more and to do more. You offer us good times and rewarding results. Make our customers trust us. Eric, you the best. On behalf of all pro techs, we thank you.

[@mikeroup2721]

Nice job as usual. I've done this before but with a flux core welder and no lift (laying on my back). I don't have a good pipe expander so I use a hammer to close the pipe gap! Not much fun but it saved my family a lot of money over the years.

[@cfmcguire]

Looks a hell of a lot better than soup cans and hose clamps on my 62 Ford Fairlane. Mission accomplished Mr. O.

[@dano336]

wow!! I was just remembering 65 ford van ..50 miles away in binghamton..early 70's green bean cans cut out both sides ... tin snips hose clamps ...fixed!

[@jonclassical5710]

Love some cold steel work in the morning! Great idea, loved it!

[@cal4625]

Looks good to me and I appreciate your attitude on viewer comments.

[@lynnmiller5183]

Job well done and you are correct about the quality of materials these days

[@eltonyancey6426]

I love how you save customers money whenever you can.

[@billmartin4602]

Good job Mr. O I’m not a welder but I can stick metal together, well that’s what I tell my friends.

[@ronwatson4902]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[@even7steven]

If your saw blade is dull, just use the backside of it to finish your cut. Lol

[@johncraig406]

Nice clean looking welds Eric, good to go

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Too the moon and back .... Great video Eric !!!..great welding skills too.

[@rsanchez5676]

Your weld settings sounded perfect!

[@nonyabiz2777]

Nice work. I’m sure we have all see the professionals at the local muffler shop do really horrible work. Bravo sir.

[@nonyabiz2777]

@Pete N same here. I just have my boys weld anything I need now. Hope they got it right the second time.

[@jayjudd6518]

Mr.’O’ thanks I can’t see anything but spots I didn’t have my beer goggles on. Ha!

[@bill8by5]

Eric, for the past 40 years, I've welded my share of things, exhaust, tinwork, aluminum, pipes, etc. You did a very nice job on this, regardless of what others may say. You go through all positions on one of these and from what the camera shows, you nailed it all up - it won't leak and the weldments look fine. It was a great help to clean the parent metal of rust before you started welding. That FeO2 makes for horrible welds. Since I live in Texas on the Gulf, I call it Gulf Coast Ferronoma - or, Rust Cancer due to location. Much like you experience in the PRNY. Hahahaha. Keep up the great work and making fine videos.

[@FishFind3000]

Funny enough my f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost broke is flex pipe2 days ago. The fix from ford is replace the flex and muffler as it’s one whole piece. But it’s in back order… so $60 from autozone for a new one and a coupler and I’m back in business.

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video and job - thank you! 95 percent of shops would have told the customer that they needed the $$$ pipe and otherwise TFS. Paul (in MA)

[@gerryboard6615]

A good honest repair from a good honest shop owner. Another opportunity missed to pull someone's pants down over the price !!

[@borgsimpson935]

Awesome tutorial. Thanks..

[@AaronBelknap]

You know as an OLDER GM lover, I was happy to see a Ford in the shop. Alas, just rusty exhaust! I think those welds turned out great. Too bad about the salt belt some nice cars getting wasted from rust! Mom’s old 2010 Escape 2wd still looks new underneath! Now if that 4 banger had some power it’d be nice!

[@dougjones9493]

Eric, my time we used a stick welder and had to bend the rod to weld on top

[@zx8401ztv]

Eric it's a pro job, and the woven wire joiner is so neat :-D I love the pipe expanding tool, helping you work smart, not hard. Worth every penny.

[@robertrosicki9290]

A long time ago in a land far far away I was a CWB ( Canadian Welding Bureau ) certified welder . To me that weld looked just fine . Eric , contrary to your statement you are a very good welder .