SilverC54me

I have been tracking down an exhaust leak after the rear main seal was replaced. Finally found it with how the donuts are seating into the h-pipe. The car is an 02 coupe with 130k on it. All stock.

The donuts do not sit flush with the flange on the h-pipe. Before I get new donuts, will new ones conform to the flange as the bolts are tightened?

Is there an exhaust past of some kind that can be used to seal the minor openings?

Gary

73Corvette

I would take it back to whomever did the rear main seal and have them make it right... If they put the gaskets in wrong they should FIX it...

grantv

Or loosen them off and refasten...
You are speaking of the donuts that slip onto the exhaust before the ends are flared yes? The ones that you can't simply slide off and replace? Or am I not understanding this right?

SilverC54me

I gave them a shot to fix it. All they did was bend the studs which I have since replaced.

SilverC54me

That is correct.

I would expect the donut to fit flush with the flange on the h-pipe. Both donuts do not sit flush with the flange on either side. Is it possible that the flanges are bent causing the seating issue?

Gary

grantv

I'm thinking that's unlikely unless they really wrenched on the exhaust somehow. I'm guessing (only) that if you loosened off the donut bolts, and maybe even removed the hanger under the rear of the motor, tighten the donuts then re-fasten the rear engine mount you should be good.
Hard to say for sure without seeing pictures though. There is always a chance they bent a flange I guess.
Don't know of any sealant for a ball and flange connection...

73Corvette

Well, that would make me more than a little nervous about the job they did on the seal...
Take it to Midas or some local muffler shop... they should be able to fix that in about 15 minutes.....