Helping Out My Sister - Ford Explorer Flex Pipe

In this video I help out my sister by replacing the broken flex pipe on her Explorer instead of buying the really expensive pipe right from Ford. It's just one way to do it.
-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.

[@JHruby]

Thank you for not rewarding Ford's ridiculous parts prices.

[@tonypitsacota2513]

Grandpa always said "Look directly into the spark and never blink for a proper weld". :)

[@gvari28]

I may not be a welder, but " we're not sending this to the moon" cracked me up. Always feels good to help familymembers. Keep up the good work..And I hope you have happy birthday 🎉 which is something we share 😊

[@jeepinspence]

In best Taryl Dactyl voice" This ain't the Space shuttle we're just mowing grass!"

[@madmaxinthunderdome]

He's not stacking dimes he stacking buggers 😂

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

If you look up when there is a daytime crescent moon, it never coincides with the orientation of the sun, and earth, and "earth shadow" on the moon......nobody is going to the moon. Because the moon doesn't exist. It's just a luminary, or reflection.

[@acwright]

Should have upsold her an undercoating while you were there 😅 Just in time for salt season

[@lijoima]

I can't believe how some people the the N/E have cars with such bare dry underbodies!

[@riverflyswatter]

@@lijoimashe got another brother that can fix it .

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Going through car washes helps a ton to limit the salt monster. 90k on my ‘19 F150 and still looks good down under, from Ohio winters.

[@larryharry7221]

Fluid film to the rescue

[@dougyoung3896]

​@Dirtyharry70585 I have been thinking they either don't have underbody flush car washes or the state of NY it's illegal to wash your car 😂 ! I live in a way worse salt area in Upper michigan where we have salt on the roads for 6 months and our cars don't look like there's !

[@WhiteBuffalo59]

$90n an hour is a very reasonable rate for a mechanic of your caliber.

[@jimh.412]

Yep I'm surprised he doesn't charge more. I live in a small town in Minnesota and a kid who just graduated from automotive school charges like $105/hr with 2 years of experience. 🤷

[@s.j.5850]

It's a bargain for the quality of work Eric does!

[@itseasiertotakeitsomewhere738]

Shush your mouth.

[@crisprtalk6963]

@@jimh.412 in older vids he stated he was 65$. 90 is still too cheap for other parts of the country, but consider his location too and 90 might be just about right.Dunno. Worth every penny though that is for sure.

[@innercityprepper]

yeah I wouldn't call it reasonable, I'd call it a steal. Every shop in my metro area is at least 120/hr, some as high as 160.

[@clintprice2123]

Eric is a devoted brother, he also does a quality repair!

[@8avexp]

He's also a devoted family man.

[@GregFeeney392]

You're a good man, Eric, for helping your sister.

[@brucejones2354]

Eric seems to me a good man no matter who he is helping.

[@donlemme898]

Your family and friends are fortunate to have you. I’m not a mechanic but my daughters think I am. I do my best to keep wheels under them. Poor kids will be in for a rude awakening if/when I can no longer do so. Big fan of Diablo blades too. Have a great week.

[@Steve0885]

Kissing butt is always good 😅

[@SempreGumby]

guessing a bunch of sisters and Eric is the only brother?

[@mikeholubek4419]

She either beat the crap out of him growing up or covered for him alot

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

You're a good brother, Mr. O. You did your sister a solid. She owes you some cookies or ice cream (or both)!

[@RJ_Taylor]

Thanks to Eric, I've taken to yelling, "Hey, it's that guy!", whenever somebody honks. My wife doesn't get it.

[@Hooterzutoob]

@RJ_Taylor That's funny, I do the same thing.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

You had Eric at ice cream! 😂😂

[@musclesmouse]

steak

[@phatbuddha1]

She buys him a case. A case of BraKleen!

[@carolb9422]

Once again, thanks for the cost discussion at the end. Really adds a lot to the video.

[@N-wordScissorhands]

This is one of the few channels I try to watch every new video. Truly one of the top 3 if not the best mechanic on youtube. Glad I’m early today looking forward to Thursday already 😂

[@chuckgrenci6404]

Thumbs up for your comment, and I'll add; the best mechanic on KZbin.

[@JimsPub-ds3qs]

Ditto! @@chuckgrenci6404

[@jimh.412]

Yep Eric and I'm a Ford guy so I like Ford Tech Mulkalocco (sp???) Videos.

[@georgegogis7958]

definitely the best mechanic i have seen on youtube or anywhere for that matter !!!

[@s.j.5850]

The best tech on KZbin hands down!

[@timd1833]

What a great brother! Occasionally, my sister took care of me when I was a baby to help my Mom out. She's 84 y/o now and in assisted living. Starting to become 'forgetful'. 😒

[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

GOOOOOOOOOOOO FORD !!! 600 bucks for a little flexi pipe ! YEESH ! I'm sure she'll offer to pay for the job, but also I'm pretty sure you wouldn't take it anyway. So she'll reward you instead by spreading the word that she has the best brother in the world, and THAT is priceless.

[@waynebake1123]

As a master internet welder with over 50 years of experience, compliments on your work.

[@tedcook8749]

He done “fried it on there!”

[@TNitroH]

Eric should say "I get paid to fix cars not rebuild them"

[@sdwputnam]

Morning, your still a great repair guy in my book. If you weren't so damn far away, this 70 yo would not be afraid to drop off his vehicle for repairs. Oh, please wear ear protection also. As someone who has working with steel for 40 years and used hammer and grinders on it, believe me when after time, one starts saying ( WHAT) more. Keep up the good repairs.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

As a guy in his mid 50s with tinnitus it makes me cringe every time he uses a power tool without ear protection. Eric will learn the hard way in the coming years as he says "What?" when the grand kids try to talk with him.

[@blautens]

Hearing protection - yes, this. The man is a treasure and hearing is precious. I'm 55 and thinking about all the things I should have done to protect my hearing.

[@terencehawkes3933]

I am always amazed how you come up with such good repairs when dealing with the horrors of corrosion. PS. Your welding skills are fabulous.

[@walterburns8489]

I've been watching your videos for years. I think that's the first time I've ever heard the train.

[@WilliamMulligan]

I didn't realise how effective safety squints can be!

[@timcritz3194]

Around me the average shop labor rate is 150 an hour and its a crap shoot whether they know what they are doing. 90 an hour is amazingly affordable especially considering the high quality of service you provide.

[@rustynails68]

I thing $90 is pretty low. I would also pay a premium for someone with a reputation for knowing what they are doing.

[@braddokken9191]

150 is low end around here. The shop I go to charges 175 but they do know what they are doing. Dealers are north of 200. I can't remember when rates were under 100. Guess it all depends on where you are.

[@NathanSmith-ut4ur]

I was also blown away when I heard $90 an hour. I looked at houses in the area surrounding SMA and you can get a 4 bedroom house for $150k. That’s wild in itself. Seems the area is still a decade behind

[@timcritz3194]

@@braddokken9191 are you related to Don Dokken ? I am a big fan of the band DOKKEN , saw them 4 times in their prime.

[@efil4kizum]

@@braddokken9191 my local Yota dealer shop is currently 160$ in NE

[@kennethbode2017]

1 hr makes one happy sister

[@robertdriscoll9673]

As usual Mr O it doesn't matter who your customers are you treat them like family. Just as you have done for your sister.

[@johnhickman1534]

Watching you move your LED light around made me think of the old bulb in a basket, one drop gotta stop, trouple light. I would spend time trying to find a place to hang it, and then it would rotate away from the work. They would also brand you if you got your arm against it. Sometimes new is improved. Love your videos.

[@s.j.5850]

The '"good" old days. It's amazing we could see with those old things compared to LED lights.

[@rustynails68]

My dad never trusted me with anything but holding the light. I couldn’t do that right either. They were ridiculously bad. Dim as a candle and hot as a soldering iron. The bulb would blow each time you bumped it on something. When the bright flashlights came out, I got my dad one. He never used it. He likes to suffer.

[@garrettfruzynski]

@rustynails68, same here! Took my dad a bit to accept a magnetic LED light but he’s still making fun of me for wearing a headlamp 😅

[@DIYDaveOK]

Always awesome to be able to help family. That's why I love doing my son's and daughter's oil changes and brakes; besides, they come over to visit 🙂

[@robinsonsauto]

Such a great brother! Always great watching the master at work

[@acwright]

I follow you too

[@rodgermalle3321]

Great job Eric ! I wish you lived close to us so we could take advantage of your knowledge and skills. The industry needs more people like yourself.

[@vespamorelli7090]

Good man Eric for helping your sister. You’re father would be very proud of you ❤

[@mejesse809]

Is poppy gone, MeMaw

[@simentalg]

Those welds look pretty good, am not a welder but I do have 46 years experience welding and I was born in 1980 😁

[@PoptartFps]

Same thing I was thinking. Guy is sand bagging

[@nicholasr7987]

Confucius says.."A man who can weld, has a wrist tan"

[@jeffc3676]

I'm confused... 🤔

[@brucejones2354]

​@@jeffc3676, in order to clear up your confusion, take your shirt off then do some welding for about 4 to 5 minutes...........you will then understand ! ! !

[@picklerix6162]

I believe Eric gets a lot of comments from the armchair welding experts. His welding is top notch for an exhaust system.

[@RJon2006]

I’m just here for the professional welders and their comments.

[@tomtke7351]

what most realize but don't acknowledge is that videos like yours are 2nd place to OJT. Hands-on training is powerful... watching all the various repairs on KZbin is too. It's entertaining but more so is training. Thx Mr/Mrs O!❤

[@riceburner4747]

You're a good brother. My brother would leave me hanging. I'm sure she counts her blessings. 👍

[@fredsalter1915]

I love the sound of a freight train passing, blowing its noble sounding horn. Very nostalgic. Avoca is the bomb!

[@BrianB14471]

I'm wondering where that train was going. Bath & Hammondsport was bought by L A & L RR several years ago. The line was torn up from Dansville to Wayland 35 years ago. There must be something in Cohocton.

[@djsi38t]

I have been to many garages that would flat out refuse to repair anything and just say you need all new pipe.When i found a guy who would do a quick wel patch for 50 bucks...I was so grateful,you don't even know.This was many years ago on a 78 monte carlo so yeah.Bless those men like yourself who are willing to repair instead of replace the whole damn thing..

[@brandonsimunac]

Eric is a rust belt wizard. I’d be game for a Torch Tuesday episode - just an hour of Eric and Vic fixing the world one blast at a time. Damn fine television.

[@timskiff9422]

He can weld everything from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.

[@lvsqcsl]

I am wanting to say your brother Scott owns a tire store and your brother Douglas owns a repair shop as well, so, I would be willing to bet they jump in there from time to time. As you pointed out, working on cars owned by the family is "government" work. GREAT VIDEO!

[@ajfurnari2448]

Took me a few seconds on getting the "Government" work joke

[@nicholasr7987]

When I moved to FL about a decade ago....the installers I would work with didn't have torches or even know how to flare brake lines! Coming from up north, these are the first skills you learn.

[@letmein2460]

I live in Southern California and my FORD dealer changes $195.00 per hour so your $90 per hour is an absolute steal! Eric, as always I really enjoy watching you and seeing how you make everything seem so easy.

[@danhnguyen-fn9eb]

Nice! Flex pipe certainly has changed over the years. Back in the day it was nothing more than super thin metal in about 1/2'' segments and you cut the pipe to length. That stuff was only good for a few high engine revs or one trip around the block before you blew it out. You did your Sis a solid. I hope she repaid you by treating you to an ice cream cone. 😋

[@paulb8186]

Still the same but under a wire mesh

[@mattmanyam]

You can get them in inconel, but good luck getting someone to weld it! 😁

[@jefftepper1305]

Eric: From one brother to another, taking care of your little sister is part of the jpb of being a big brother. Regards, Jeff

[@efil4kizum]

@@Martys-4x4 could be twins?

[@williammouri1096]

Your rates are super reasonable. I hope the local community appreciates you guys. You give a lot of bang for the buck! That repair will outlive the rest of the vehicle.

[@markjones3121]

Good that he's now adding approx costs. Useful info for many punters who have no choice but to go to a shop. Usual excellent video

[@gregscott9170]

Love the way you are always trying to save your customers money and still do a high quality job. 👍

[@germanjesus]

The fact that ford didn’t recall all of the explorers after everyone passed out from Exhaust gasses is a freaking miracle

[@stu6885]

Quality is job none @ FoMoCo

[@brucejones2354]

​@@stu6885, unfortunately that seems to be true.

[@bradhaines3142]

​@@Martys-4x4i dont like ford but if youre right thats definitely not recall level of mistake

[@robertbritton9674]

Nobody can recall anything with 200k miles in the rust belt. Maybe GM can recall all those rusted out frames.😊

[@j.davidwilliamson1163]

Eric, you sure fooled me when you said you were not a welder. That weave bead you used was the giveaway. Great work.

[@williegillie5712]

Every time the kids make plans now days they always say, ”I’m down with that”. Clutch that’s a new one for me. I must be behind on my teenager lingo. At any rate your a good man Eric taking care of your sisters exhaust leak.

[@mxaexm]

Educational and entertaining at the same time! Hopefully you will get to the well deserved 1 million subscribers soon!!!!

[@hotflashfoto]

Great info, sir! This tells me that I might be able to buy a welder and replace 2 flex pipes under my V6 FWD. One is only 3 or 4 inches long, the other is about 8 inches. Now I just need a hoist! And a garage . . . .

[@AbcDef-iq4no]

When you were grinding down the pipe cut and had the film speed up I was instantly reminded of some of my favorite scenes from the 60s Bewitched TV show where Samantha would speed things up.

[@davidrobins4025]

IMHO you did a great job fixing the problem. Your sister should be very happy.

[@yhird]

Well done Eric. The welding looks great.

[@petem6291]

Eric you do nice work. I bought a flex head torch for my mig and it’s a game changer, I start as high as I can on the pipe form and oval pattern ( with the puddle ) between the old pipe and the new pipe and don’t stop till you get to the bottom. I find I get a leak free joint when everything is done correctly.

[@colinfield97]

I understand your pain Eric. Like you, I know I am not getting paid when my sisters rock up with their motoring problems. Fantastic videos that keep me sane though. Greetings from Scotland for you and Mrs O

[@MikhailSkulls]

I just did front and rear pads, rotors and air filter, cabin filter and an oil change on my sisters car. Watched your encore brake video to see what i was getting myself into Lol All went smooth and she was happy.

[@sspnugen]

Looks like a great welder to me, enjoy these flex pipe videos

[@masseymm]

appreciate the material and labour explanation at the end

[@jonmack5359]

you sound like rainman ray 'i'm not a professional welder'... but then do a fine job welding! lucky sister you have, family strong

[@stantilton2191]

Big brother to the rescue. A quality repair that'll last a long time.

[@vikingtraveler2655]

Love your channel. You're a good man sir and amazing mechanic.

[@mrjsv4935]

Well done helping your sister :) Have helped my sister too whenever necessary.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nothing like helping out family & friends! Always makes you feel good seeing the smile on their face!

[@kevinhammer4370]

A lot of good moments in the one. “But we’re still brothers”. Hell yea Eric !

[@wallingj68]

He must hold no ill will towards his sister, as he didn't leave any undetectable perforations in the weld "by accident". "It's so weird Eric, whenever I drive the Explorer I get so relaxed and just want to take a nap ever since you fixed it." :-D

[@tracydiller9378]

Great video Eric and yes you are a good brother for helping your sister out.Those welds looked good.

[@Hank-ski]

Grinder and paint make you the welder you ain't. 😉 Thanks for the video. You keep me coming back!

[@davidgrimes4726]

Love the no-look, bare handed welding 🤣

[@cycleguy666]

Well your sister will be pleased!! Amazing what ford gets for the flex and pipe!! Seems like parts go up weekly!! 😊

[@tedbiernacki376]

Nice professional job Eric ! Even hit it with some high temp paint! 😊 Surprised that you haven't undercoated your sisters car !?

[@dougheywood4692]

You are a good man Mr O helping out your sister.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Well, we already knew you were a great Auto Tech, husband and father. Now we know you are a great brother too. Good job Eric O.

[@bearing_aficionado]

As the official bearing aficionado of this channel, I am going to love this video as I also own a 2018 Ford Explorer!

[@bertblue9683]

It's best to leave your mouth shut and have us assume you're a fool than to open it and give us no doubt

[@bertblue9683]

In the words of Clark Griswold, it's nothing to be proud of son

[@bearing_aficionado]

@bertblue9683 so why don't heed to your own advice?

[@bw6078]

Very straight cutting. When the sparks from welding were hitting your arm I expected a few ouchies. You must have leather for skin LOL. Those darn factory flexies don't last the life of the vehicle and should be made to be replaced more easily.

[@markbulva4188]

You’re a great brother Mr. O!! And your customers have no idea how lucky they are to pay only $90/hr for a AAA mechanic.

[@gregsidel3557]

Your sister is very fortunate. She has a brother like you, Eric. Good job thank you very much for the video

[@perryzimmap3639]

Hi Mate would it be a good idea to have a pipe bender to bend a MIG tip to suit welding top side of exhaust pipes as you are repairing them all the time. Just a thought. Cheers mate.

[@kenj.8897]

It's hard being the go to guy .Working for homemade cookies .

[@secretsquirrel6124]

Nobody wants to pay the family mechanic 😂

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

@@secretsquirrel6124 Me being the “family mechanic“ I’m happy to work for homemade chocolate chip cookies and / or banana walnut bread warmed up with a little butter on top! :-) Tall glass of cold milk to go with either of them :-)

[@secretsquirrel6124]

@@Doing_it_right_the_first_time we all will work for food it's one of the things why us men do the things we do

[@TNitroH]

My fusion flex pipe lasted 15 years (07-22). Mostly garaged and low mileage vehicle. Local muffler shop did it for $145. You are a good brother

[@davidpontnak3819]

Kudos to a good brother, my wife and I enjoy your videos, great content and entertainment!

[@midnightrunner684]

The state puts that salt down that rotts the cars out ,They should have a program to reimburse some of the fees to repair your cars

[@miceinoz1181]

Do not put your welding skills down Eric, I have seen plenty of your welds in the past, and they are better than most. You want to see poor welding, gotta see Ray's. He really does need some lessons. That crackling sound of the mig tells me the machine is set up well for the job too.

[@marksmallman4572]

yup, Ray needs to practice..

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Easy peasy Repair Eric O glad ya got your sister back on the road with a Quiet Exhaust again 13:12 @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@declanoshaughnessy7733]

A lovely job done Eric, you simply helped your sister out like any brother would do best wishes with your garage 👍👍 best wishes from Galway Ireland 👍🙏

[@EM-df6mo]

What a nice brother. Hope she knows how lucky she is Bro.

[@Mr-Mag00]

Such a good guy helping out the Seeester, thank you South Main Auto, you reminded me I have a pipe to weld on a Toyota for my dad.

[@daviddamico4288]

Nice work Eric, glad you helped your sister out, that’s what family does..

[@joecook8352]

Your a good brother, it feels really good to be in a position to help others especially family, good on you Eric!

[@jerzcnate]

Better man than me Eric helping your Sis like that. My Sis burned me out working on her house 😂

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Simple way to bypass the original part's cost! Good job Eric!

[@Killawife]

I think its really good that you are so frank with the costs of the various repairs and parts. I reply to a lot of posts on various forums where people ask about their bills and if they are being scammed and its very common for someone to get a price suggestion of $1700 for a regular brake job and similar and lots of folks just don't know what the things actually cost.

[@mrb1864]

That front pipe looks solid enough see out the replacement flexi . Job jobbed & real money saved .

[@oldjarhead1125]

I really enjoy watching your work videos, Eric. Please don't stop posting. Greetings from the Old Jarhead in WNC

[@trotva]

I used many of those Diablo blades thru my work in Urban Search & Rescue and fire department extraction work. Those blades were great. We abused them beyond normal use, in places most people would not believe. They never let us down. Highly recommended ......

[@cubiculez]

Way to go Eric. Nothing is better than to help out a Family member!!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

Looks to be a nice simple and easy repair/replacement. It feels good when you can help a sibling out. SMA for the win - again!

[@MRrwmac]

Good brother! She loves you even more now!

[@dustyroads834]

You were able to weld that exhaust pipe without burning a hole through it. Lol. I spend most of my welding time trying to fill the holes I made.

[@treehuggermc]

Always great work and integrity man!!

[@ctvette1318]

Watching you work on these cars is therapeutic! You also crack me up a bit.

[@warrenvincent2524]

Great job mate, love the explorer

[@jamesboris1233]

Thank you for helping your sister.

[@Larry-4-707]

Great job as always Eric, but this was a special one for your sister.

[@moparscot9271]

No sister reveal? 😂 You should do a what’s up Wednesday with her so we can get the good stories on you as a kid!! Great job as always!!