exhaust clamps.....question about a leak
12-26-2005, 07:19 PM
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exhaust clamps.....question about a leak There's definitely a little bit if exhaust puffing out right where my collector ends, at the clamp.
Can I just ratchet it tighter or do I have to loosen it and reposition it, than tighten it? I remember seeing a picture once of someone that had collapsed a collector by tightening it too much, but I think they may have used an air ratchet.
Can I just ratchet it tighter or do I have to loosen it and reposition it, than tighten it? I remember seeing a picture once of someone that had collapsed a collector by tightening it too much, but I think they may have used an air ratchet.
12-26-2005, 07:52 PM
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I would try to reposition the clamp then hammer down with the air ratchet (not too tight)!! I had clamps on mine at first but they kept leaking...had to have it welded. Good luck!
12-26-2005, 08:52 PM
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What kind of clamp are you using? On all the header installs I've done, I've used Torq-Tite band clamps. They are about 6" long, and when you remove the 2 bolts, you can open 'em up (they're split length-wise) and slide 'em on your collectors, and Y-pipe. Be careful...they have a subtle diameter change, so you have to put the the "fat" side of the clamp over the larger diameter pipe. I torqued the snot out of mine with my breaker bar. No problems with "crushing", or leaks.
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12-26-2005, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by bichin95redta
What kind of clamp are you using? On all the header installs I've done, I've used Torq-Tite band clamps. They are about 6" long, and when you remove the 2 bolts, you can open 'em up (they're split length-wise) and slide 'em on your collectors, and Y-pipe. Be careful...they have a subtle diameter change, so you have to put the the "fat" side of the clamp over the larger diameter pipe. I torqued the snot out of mine with my breaker bar. No problems with "crushing", or leaks.
12-26-2005, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Lithium
Red RTV...high temp silicone gaskets marker...should seal it up.
12-27-2005, 03:25 PM
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what a pain in the ***. I took the clamp off and I see the end of the (gutted) cat doesn't touch the end of the "Y". There's about a 1/4" gap between them. I thought one would slip over the other at least. Anyway, I repositioned it and tightened it down and it still leaked alot. So I made a tin foil strap about 2-inches wide and about 1/8" thick...wrapped it around the problem side and than put the strap over it. PERFECT!
Just hope it lasts until I get a new exhaust in a couple months.
Just hope it lasts until I get a new exhaust in a couple months.
12-27-2005, 04:00 PM
#12
Yeah, they need to be slipped over each other, the tinfoil will last 2-3 days tops. Get it welded this time. The RTV used is for exhausts and it's O2 friendly. Autozone will know it. The clamps are available at Summit, Stainless Works and NAPA. Reusable.
