Exhaust leak Sidepipe Joint

[saltshaker]

I have a exhaust leak where the side pipe slides on the header, it is the lower to pipes and At idle I can feel the exhause leaking out. The side pipe receiver isn't perfectly round, I have tried to expand the header pipes but it is still leaking and popping when it decelerates. Do any of the RTV Silcones help seal the leak??
Jon

[kevins2]

Hi Jon,

I use this stuff: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Walker-35959-Hardware-Sealing-Compound/dp/B000CQDL94"]Amazon.com: Walker 35959 Hardware Sealing Compound: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41W2dSVXfvL.@@AMEPARAM@@41W2dSVXfvL[/ame]

Made for exactly that purpose. This link is from Amazon but you can also get it at advanceauto stores. It's tar-like, so use disposable gloves. Cleans up with mineral spirits.

Kevin

[DanEC]

There is an exhaust and muffler sealer available. It used to be sold as a Walker product but the last tube I bought from NAPA was no longer labeled as a Walker product.

This stuff seals up well but it does set pretty hard and if there is any movement at the slip connection as the car is driven, it may eventually leak again - but probably not as much. It doesn't seem to hinder disassembly later - I just spray a little WD-40 in the connection and that seems to lubricate and soften it enough that the pipes will come apart without a big struggle.

Edit: Kevin beat me to the punch.

[saltshaker]

Tried it and it didn't work....
Thnx for the idea
Jon

[DanEC]

Then you may have to expand both sides to get them round and a tight slip joint to fix it. You can try the red high temp RTV. it's used very often to seal headers to the head. Not sure how well it will work on a slip joint however. It will be more flexible after curing. As you have seen, it's a problem using sealant on a slip joint as the action of sliding one pipe inside the other scrapes it off. I would try applying sealer to both sides which will make a bit of a mess on the outside of the sidepipe receiver, but it can be cleaned up with Prep Sol or something similar. Applying to both sides should give better chances of getting enough in the joint to seal up.

[saltshaker]

Going to pull the header and side pipe take them to a myffler shop and have the header pipes expanped to fit the side pipes...
Jon

[daverascal]

I battled with the same problem. Tried all kinds of sealants. Still leaked, so I made flanges, welded them to each side pipe and headers. Then made gaskets out of high temp. gaskets sheets. No more leaks, has 8 bolts on each side and looks very clean. I was a ton of work but well worth it.
Dave

[BAsque1]

Originally Posted by saltshaker

I have a exhaust leak where the side pipe slides on the header, it is the lower to pipes and At idle I can feel the exhause leaking out. The side pipe receiver isn't perfectly round, I have tried to expand the header pipes but it is still leaking and popping when it decelerates. Do any of the RTV Silcones help seal the leak??
Jon

Jon:
I had the same problem and last year I bit the bullet and sent him my sidepipes which were a 2 piece collector and muffler, he welded them and refinished them with jet coat and are fabulous since. No black suit or leaks.
Great guy to deal with and most of all he is honest.
I hope this helps
Lou

[saltshaker]

Who did you send them to? They kook great!
Jon