Exhaust leak tricks

Buck268 · 10-16-2009, 08:08 AM

Well, I have a pretty stubborn exhaust leak at the ball-socket joint between my LH manifold an the midpipe. Spent some time under there yesterday kinda massaging it a bit and making sure to torque to spec (25-35 lbs) and it has gotten much better. But you can still hear it when shes under load at low rpm's. Any tips or thoughts on how to get this KO'd for good? I am very close to just cutting so as to install the forward section of the pipe without any interference from the rest of it and then straight-piping where I cut - basically a DIY O/R x-pipe. Just having trouble spending that much on stainless or going with el cheapo parts...

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Jfsram · 10-23-2009, 02:16 AM

I tried about 3 times to fix my ball and socket for leaks then I realized my pipes are rusted. It's amazing how a small hole can sound so annoying.

If your problem is indeed the ball and socket. Seperate them and check for dents or bends. Tap it into a smooth curve and add some gold high temperature silicone.

Buck268 · 10-23-2009, 08:43 AM

Well, I've seperated and retorqued a couple times now and it seems to be significantly better, although still present. Perhaps when I get another full day off I'll try some high-temp RTV on there, but its not rusted nor bent.

Lowtryx · 10-23-2009, 10:36 PM

I've been trying to solve this problem on my 96 GT for 2 months now. I have BBK Shorty Headers and a Pypes X pipe and the Effing thing JUST WON'T SEAL. It seems every time I have it nipped in the butt, it heats and cools a few times and begins to leak under load at low RPMS.
I'm going to use a tube of Black RTV Silicone on it, I KNOW That will solve the problem but I hate Mickey Mouse fixes like that.

Try sillicone.

Buck268 · 10-23-2009, 10:46 PM

That stuff rated for a high enough temp to use on the manifold? The high-temp stuff I got is rated to 700 degrees F- although to be fair I really don't know what temps an exhaust manifold reaches.

hiboostwoody · 10-24-2009, 01:25 AM

They make a product called Muffler Cement that will seal that up. I use it a LOT on exhaust flanges when I have to take a system out to R&R a tranny.

lizzyfan · 10-24-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowtryx

I've been trying to solve this problem on my 96 GT for 2 months now. I have BBK Shorty Headers and a Pypes X pipe and the Effing thing JUST WON'T SEAL. It seems every time I have it nipped in the butt, it heats and cools a few times and begins to leak under load at low RPMS.
I'm going to use a tube of Black RTV Silicone on it, I KNOW That will solve the problem but I hate Mickey Mouse fixes like that.

Try sillicone.

Where is the leak?