exhaust leak

[greengiant0311]

Well now that I have the truck running again(clutch needed replaced). I have another issue, go figure right? Now the exhaust is leaking bad enought to were it is backfiring. I replaced the gaskets and its still the same as before, just passenger side though. So.... where do I begin? I tightened the bolts as tight as i could get them, snugged up all the rest in the system and still backfiring. Is there a trick to tightening the bolts? I have also thought they might be warped. I checked them with a feeler gauge and they are tight. All help is appreciated.

 

[greengiant0311]

Well I've seen quite a bit of yall read the post but no one has any ideas. Sounds like my dilemma too, no idea. Oh well, probably take it to a shop in town. Anyone know any good exhaust shops in the springs?

 

[badmix]

I ended up taking my headers and cutting out the flange between the runners (so when you tighten the headers, your tightening the individual pipes, not the whole thing) I also ran a straight file across the part that touches the head and got some copper gaskets. So far so good. I also went to Ball n Socket on the collector pipe, better than the 3 bolt flange that requires a gasket, with ball and socket, no gasket required.

I also heard from a racer to use the highest temp rated RTV and put it around the ports on the header, but I didnt go this far.

 

[greengiant0311]

Thanks badmix, I did scrape off some rtv but thought it was because the PO put the wrong gaskets on. Back to work I guess, thanks again

 

[dyeager535]

The orange RTV appears to stand up to the exhaust. I've seen it used more than once.

Haven't had any problems with my Hedmans leaking at the head flange since I installed them, ~10 years ago. I didn't use any tricks, just the bolts that came with the headers, and the Fel-Pro exhaust gaskets that came in the kit.