header leaks...

[dmw319]

ive had pacesetters on about 20k now and they leak. it SEEMS to be right where the y-pipe connects to the collector only on the drivers side.. so i got new locking bolts and tightened them down but i tightened them so much that the flange got bent so its in a u-shape and now the ball and socket joint leaks... what are ways to fix this? obviously i cant put another flange on there, is there a way to bend back the piece or maybe put something inbetween the flanges to keep them tight? you can hear it leak real bad under low RPM loads.. its hard to try and find the leak at idle because its very small and hard to notice under you put it under a load.

[Tom Rs]

Re: header leaks...

what about taking it off and putting a bead of rtv on it then tightening it ? worth a shot

[dmw319]

Re: header leaks...

what do you mean "it"... and "bead of rtv"?

[candela]

Re: header leaks...

Wouldn't the exhaust melt the rtv? I know that I've used the copper rtv on the egr pipe and it blew right through the rtv. I let it cure for around 30 hours.

[Tom Rs]

Re: header leaks...

Wouldn't the exhaust melt the rtv? I know that I've used the copper rtv on the egr pipe and it blew right through the rtv. I let it cure for around 30 hours.

yea i have done that too. but this isnt neccesarily plugging a hole. idk it was just an idea

[dmw319]

Re: header leaks...

i think im just gunna cut the flange off, then weld another one on to it to reinforce it and see what that does..

[Tom Rs]

Re: header leaks...

try a 3 bolt flange

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: header leaks...

Wouldn't the exhaust melt the rtv? I know that I've used the copper rtv on the egr pipe and it blew right through the rtv. I let it cure for around 30 hours.

I have high temp rtv on all my exhuast joints.

[dmw319]

Re: header leaks...

chopped and welded up new brackets for my flange... seemed to work much better, are much thicker...i still had a small leak, but its MUCH better. well see how well it holds up over time.. i dont know if ill have to tighten them down any more if they loosen up..

[dmw319]

Re: header leaks...

here is a picture of the new "two-ply" flange..