Patching a hole on my truck's air cleaner tube

[alpinewhite]

I installed an aftermarket air intake system on my 7.3 Powerstroke. The metal tube from the air cleaner to the throttle body had 3 holes the size of a nickel but the kit only came with one plug. I'm guessing that the other holes are used for sensors (which I don't have). I need to cover these holes with something or unfiltered air will enter the motor.

I was thinking of an adhesive-backed rubber patch of some sort. I'm thinking of something about 4 inches in diameter. That way, it'll have a lot of sticky surface to decrease the probability that it gets sucked in. However, I also want something that won't disintegrate over time. If the rubber were to disintegrate, it'll get sucked into the motor.

I can also put some sheet metal sized about twice the diameter of the hole over the hole before putting the patch. That way, no rubber is in contact with the air in the intake path.

Any suggestions on what material I can use? I was thinking or those rubber roof patches used on RV roofs.

 

[ADSR]

Aluminum foil tape?

 

[CNGsaves]

I'd use oversize washer on both sides and bolt in between. Your rubber seal would be on outside (ie sandwiched between the two washers).

Make sure you double nut that bolt so it never rattles loose !!

 

[laser3kw]

take the plug and go to a hardware store or auto parts store and see if they have something similar. I bet it is a common plug / grommet.

 

[n8n]

expanding rubber plug like you'd find at a boat store?

 

[lotsoftools]

I had to do the same thing on a different vehicle. I took the tube out and made an oversized piece of sheet metal to cover the hole. Then I drilled holes, put black RTV around the edges, and riveted it in place. You can paint the sheet metal black and it will be almost unnoticeable.

 

[flat tire]

automotive rubber body plugs

 

[laser3kw]

WTH flat tire?
that's your 5th post and you post THAT?


Good Job!
I forgot they exists - that would be prefect!

 

[flat tire]

WTH flat tire?
that's your 5th post and you post THAT?


Good Job!
I forgot they exists - that would be prefect!

thanks.
when I read the first part of your post, I thought what the hell?
I been around for a while. once in a while I still remember a few things of the past. like paying 25 cents for a beer

 

[SteveH-CO]

I sure wouldn't use anything metal that could get through the hole and into the turbo. I would also periodically inspect the 'patches' for integrity. You can also lower the spare tire and grease the tire winch at the same time - something else almost no one ever does!

 

[GuyllFyre]

I'd check out what the maker of the kit has available.
Something nice and neat is always a good option.
Otherwise you can clamp a chunk of turbo/intake silicone hose over it all.
It also depends on where the holes are.
Pics?
Kit make/model?
I'm used to working with K&N and APR intake kits and they're usually pretty complete.

 

[Iroc-Z]

I'd use oversize washer on both sides and bolt in between. Your rubber seal would be on outside (ie sandwiched between the two washers).

Make sure you double nut that bolt so it never rattles loose !!

Yeah I am sure the turbo would not process that well

 

[laser3kw]

Made ya look!
I remember back in the 70's in our families bar a " short beer" (draft) was $.15 and a tall was $.25, choice of frosted glass or not - most choose not!. When I got old enough to tend bar, I think it was $.50 for a 12 oz., we no longer had the short beer.

 

[srmofo]

Silicone coupler slice open, wrap around the pipe, and then a couple of house clamps.

No riskof sucking anything in

 

[alpinewhite]

Pics?
Kit make/model?
I'm used to working with K&N and APR intake kits and they're usually pretty complete.