resdoggie

Buy a longer bolt

mobird

Planning on it!


On a similar note, are any of you using the STS baffles?


I have them, and love them, except that I get some exhaust leak around the securing bolts where they go through the side pipe into the baffle. The washer can't seal this since it's a round surface. How did you guys go about stopping this leak?


I'll take pictures tonight if that didn't make sense.

zwede

My secret weapon against exhaust leaks is ultra-black RTV. You'd think exhaust heat would burn it off but nope, no problem.

mobird

Really? Man, I never would have thought to try that, I also would assume it would just burn.... I'll give it a shot for sure. I'd love to be leak free.


One other question, do you guys just use the metal gasket between the header and head? Or do you also use a spray on or liquid gasket to help it seal? I think mine are sealed with just the metal one, but I'd like to make sure when I put my new heads on.

zwede

RTV on the header gaskets as well. Thin layer, both sides.

mobird

So I swung by the auto parts store on my lunch break and saw that the Ultra Black RTV is only rated to 500 degrees. Pretty sure the exhaust gets hotter than that.

zwede

Yep, but the gaskets won't. Try it, you'll see.

mobird

Ok I think that's where we're getting mixed up, there's no exhaust gasket on a side pipe.


The side pipe slides into the collector and then you tighten a bolt on the side of the side pipe to clamp it on (that's where one leak is).


My other leak is around the bolt that is drilled through the side pipe to hold the STS baffle in place.


I'll take pictures tonight. I'm pretty sure that bolt hole will be just as hot as the exhaust after a drive.

zwede

It'll still be fine. I use RTV on my (aluminum) collector gaskets. Same thing.

mobird

Alright I'll give it a try. I also have some of that exhaust cement stuff, but I have a feeling that dries harder, not sure, but it might be worth a try since its actually made for high heat applications?