Axleback Exhaust Leaks
03-26-2011, 05:38 AM
#1
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,211
Axleback Exhaust Leaks
What is the freakin' secret to prevent an exhaust leak from the point where the axleback clamps onto the axle x-over?
I've been through 5 different sets of mufflers to find a set I finally like. The only one that doesn't leak is my OEM GTB's.
The Pypes Violators, Pypes Deletes, FRPP Stingers, Flowmaster 40's all had the basic exhaust clamps. And they all leaked. Not much, but enough that it sounds like a lifter is tapping when I'm parked or next to a concrete divider.
tips?
I've been through 5 different sets of mufflers to find a set I finally like. The only one that doesn't leak is my OEM GTB's.
The Pypes Violators, Pypes Deletes, FRPP Stingers, Flowmaster 40's all had the basic exhaust clamps. And they all leaked. Not much, but enough that it sounds like a lifter is tapping when I'm parked or next to a concrete divider.
tips?
I'm thinking of pulling the FRPP stingers back off and cutting a notch in the part where it slides over the x-over pipe. Then removing about 1/8" of material so there is a gap in that notch.
the thought is that would give the pipe some area to compress and tighten up on the metal for a better seal
otherwise I'm getting the damn things welded up. I'm sick of the ticking noise the thought is that would give the pipe some area to compress and tighten up on the metal for a better seal
03-26-2011, 06:39 AM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Decatur AL
Posts: 823
I put Pypes Violators on mine as well. I used the OEM clamps (with a little tweaking) and I have no problem with exhaust leaks. If that does not or did not work for you, have them welded up. I do not know exactly what it is, but the Pypes exhaust clamps did not cut it. Same problem as you are having. I put the OEM clamps on, tweaked them, and then tightened the crap out of them. Nice looking Bullitt buy the way.
03-26-2011, 07:20 AM
#3
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 1,347
Tylus as stated above, welding them will solve all these issues, but then they become some what permanent. Good luck!
PS I had similar issues with the pypes & flows, I ended up using 3 different types of clamps & the 3rd pair worked.
PS I had similar issues with the pypes & flows, I ended up using 3 different types of clamps & the 3rd pair worked.
03-26-2011, 08:26 AM
#5
S197 Section Modder-ator
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 13,373
Making a notch will improve things but not a perfect solution.
This problem is always because of schitty tolerances from aftermarket exhaust.
To remedy this, and I've done it, is to heat the axle back neck red hot while clamping on it.
It will marry both pipes perfectly.
Take it to a good exhaust shop and tell them to do just that.
This problem is always because of schitty tolerances from aftermarket exhaust.
To remedy this, and I've done it, is to heat the axle back neck red hot while clamping on it.
It will marry both pipes perfectly.
Take it to a good exhaust shop and tell them to do just that.
03-26-2011, 09:26 AM
#6
Cut & Paste Expert
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 13,322
Notching is no good or they would be notched from the manufacturer.
A stainless steel stepped clamp might work. Lots of sealing area.
Getting stainless steel red hot kills the corrosion resistant properties of the
stainless. It might seal but will fail there first...
Expanding the inner pipes OD to the outer pipes ID with a exhaust pipe expander
would be the best way to go.
And non-destructive.
A stainless steel stepped clamp might work. Lots of sealing area.
Getting stainless steel red hot kills the corrosion resistant properties of the
stainless. It might seal but will fail there first...
Expanding the inner pipes OD to the outer pipes ID with a exhaust pipe expander
would be the best way to go.
And non-destructive.
Last edited by 157dB; 03-26-2011 at 09:29 AM.
03-26-2011, 12:09 PM
#8
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,211
I'm trying to avoid welding, but it appears I'm not the only one. Was hoping maybe I was just exhaust retarded
never seen one of those. looking for one now
thx
Expanding the inner pipes OD to the outer pipes ID with a exhaust pipe expander
would be the best way to go.
And non-destructive.
would be the best way to go.
And non-destructive.
thx
03-26-2011, 01:03 PM
#9
S197 Section Modder-ator
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 13,373
Meanwhile, the rest of us in the practical world, use something called hi-temp paint and that will last no forever but past the lifetime of the car.
Northern salty roads might challenge the aging a bit but a respray isn't a big deal.
Also most folks don't drive modded Stangs in schitty condition, so that point is moot as well.
Not knocking the expander though, but a lot easier to use before putting the exhaust on the car IMO, since stainless is hard to work with, even with that tool.
03-26-2011, 02:00 PM
#10
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Decatur AL
Posts: 823
How in the world is the muffler made??? I have been welding stainless steel pipe for a long time. A lot of it x-ray work in what is called lethal chemical service. That is totally incorrect.