I have an exhaust leak where the drivers side exhaust manifold attaches to the downpipe... this connection consists of two bolts and simply a cone shaped fitting. Where the tighter you pull the bolts the tighter the seal should be.

I already tried to fix this with some gooey muffler tape solution and wrenched it pretty tight but their really doesn't seem to be any difference with the leak.

I'm assuming that the reason there's not a good seal is that the metal from the exhaust manifold has just rusted off and leaving space for air to escape.

Up next, i'm planning on brushing JB Weld around both ends in excess to fill in the gaps and make a good seal that will last. It says it's good up to 600 degrees... but i'm not sure what temps the exhaust gets up to.

So my question: Is this a good idea? if this doesn't work will i be replacing both of these pipes?

 

why not just tighten the bolts or replace them? i did it on mine

 

Um, no. Exhaust temps will go well beyond 600*F. If you want it fixed right, take it to an exhaust shop and flip them $20 (or less) to weld it up for you.

Anything else is just a temp fix save for U clamps.

 

I did replace the bolts the first time...
I don't want to tighten the bolts and bend the metal from the manifold or anything, it's already on really tightly.

the connection is very similar to this first picture: The header comes to that end with it's two bolt holes as part of the header.
The downpipe from the exhaust has a flange like shown in the second picture, with a fitting that slides around with the two bolt holes.

I'm not sure the muffler shop would be able to weld this? as it's right above/inside the drivers side wheel well.

do i just keep tightening and try to close it like that? It's already wrenched pretty tight and i don't want to break either fitting that the bolts are going through and have to replace something big.

 

That setup is not stock. Yes they can weld it shut. It will be permeate. You can buy gaskets to seal in between them. www.summitracing.com will be the best place to buy them.

 

are you thinking something like this?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=456558_0_0_

or this?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=79016_0_0_

because idk how the first one would work, there's a solid 1/4" to 3/8" between where that would rest on the manifold and where the Y pipe connects.



And yeah, the guy before me definately put aftermarket dual exhaust on this... because even without the exhaust leak: this truck is one loud ****

 

The 2nd one could work. But I was talking about just a gasket. Like the gasket in this pic.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...oductId=352795

 

I used some of this at the recommendation of the guy at O'reilly's... says it's good up to 1,000 degrees

Autozone Link


I'll update after I start it up later tonight or tomorrow. It says to let it set for 2-4 hours... but there's something inside that would make you feel better if you waited until tomorrow.