red70stingray

Hi!!!
I have headers, new, going into a new exhaust... exhaust welded to the collector... is there something out there other then the paper gasket to stop leaks from that area? Everything is buttoned up nice except for that leak. Is is possisble to cut the collector off and have a shop make a pipe and weld it all together. My concern is the header is to thin... help me out the fumes from here are making this undrivabale!!!!

Doug1

not totally sure of problem, is the gasket not thick enough so that when you tighten the screws there is still some of a gap? if so and you don't want to get into dismantling everything, maybe wrap it will some header wrap for keeping engine bay cooler if the leak isn't too big.

oldalaskaman

cut the collectors off , butt the ends together and use these ,they come in several different sizes and work well. I use them when I know I'll be bolting and unbolting exhaust more than once or twice. they last forever
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...oductId=753274
they're better than collectors cause you can rotate them up out of the way of dragging

Phil Zell

Use the aluminum collector gaskets, I believe Percy makes them.

ezobens

red70stingray

i am taking your advise and just ordered the aluminum collector gaskets from summit..... thank you!!!

C3 Stroker

...another vote for the aluminum gaskets. I've used mine for years, unbolting and rebolting.....always a tight fit, no leaks.

SuperBuickGuy

and they are reusable.... I love those things. I used their gasket on several cars (the same gaskets) - and the last time I forgot to tighten one header bolt (end, passenger side).... drove 300 miles, checked the bolts, found the loose one.... still doesn't leak. Try that with paper or copper!

scottyp99

Exhaust welded to the collector? You must mean the exhaust is welded to the reducer, right? It's important to a good seal for the reducer and the collector to be at the same angle (straight line) before attempting to join them. If they are at different angles, you'll never get a really good seal, because one side of the gasket will have more pressure on it than the other. Might not be the cause of your problem, but it's something to check on.


Keep the shiny side up!
Scott

Doug1

this is why I said I didn't really understand his question

red70stingray

yes... i did mean the reducer...

Street Rat

I like this idea. Do these clamps seal ok?

oldalaskaman

I have them on my 76, no issues, to be real safe the parts stores sell something called exhaust repair paste. put a thin bead around each connection and clamp them down. They work without it but its piece of mind. I originally started using them cause I wanted to drive the car as I made changes, they worked good and I kept using them. you can really reef on the bolts without them breaking and the band conforms to what they are on
hope this helps

btw you can also get them at napa, pepboys, etc

carriljc

I had the band type clamps, and they're fine, but I really recommend the "ball & socket" type instead. It's just sealed better. I welded on my own "ball & socket" contraptions and there was no problem about header wall thickness.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...rsistYmm=false

ZEN357

Aluminum Gaskets from Jegs or Summit Racing.

TCracingCA

Buccaneer

You could use the "ball" type collector and flare the exhaust pipe. I use that type and have no leaks using the 3/8" flanges on both sides. It does away with the gaskets.

theandies

Thats what I have and I've never had a leak and I've reused them a few times over the years.

vettfixr

Another vote for Percy's.

Jebbysan

And another for Percy's.....they also come with nice cadmium plated bolts

Jebby