BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

Ok guys i have been having trouble with exhaust leaks at the collectors. I have band clamps on there now and they just dont work! Can you guys tell me some tricks to fix it? Or suggest what i should do?

This is a slip fit exhaust, btw

Omec

iTrader: (2)

did you tighten the band clamps all the way? you shouldnt see a gap between where the two sides meet the spacer. it should be tight.

Dskeet6

iTrader: (20)

if the clamp is tightened all the way and its still leaking most likely the collector is warped.... or the clamp is trash

raven154

iTrader: (14)

If you have room, just buy some collector flanges and have them welded on. Found them on ebay. Parts store will carry the part that welds to the car. Thats what I did, no more leaks!

DaveX

You can use high temp silicone. Messy, but it works unless you have a big gap.

Omec

iTrader: (2)

also if its leaking where the two ends come together (clamp) you can get a peice(s) of alum foil, roll it into joint form and put them under the the clamp where the ends come together. it should seal up if that where its leaking. you wont see the foil and will def look better that high temp RTV. I do this all the time w/ the non preformed clamps.

SladeX

I used a combination of exhaust sealant and aluminum tape to seal mine. First put a bead of sealant around the edge where the collector meets the exhaust slip over. Wipe it down so that it simple fills in the gap, no need to put a big amount. Next wrap it up in aluminum tape. You can go the width of the band clamp. Try not to layer it too much, just make sure it's wrapped up. Finally get the band clamp on and tighten down completely. For the first bit I had some of the adhesive off the tape leak out a bit out the bottom, but it's sealed up quite well. Prior to sealing it, I had a good black streak forming from the bolt area where it was leaking.

KurtRardin

iTrader: (11)

V clamps baby. I am going to do this when I switch to another exhaust setup.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Z28/2002

iTrader: (27)

**** the clamps and flanges, get it welded and be done with it

Viper

iTrader: (6)

Many don't want it welded in case they want to drop the tranny and work on it, or headers for that matter. I have everything welded except the header/y-pipe connection. I used NAPA clamps with red RTV and have no leaks.

Cammin_Z

X2. This is the only way to go.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

It is leaking where the bolts for the band clamp meet. They are all the way tight. I guess i need to play around with some aluminum foil

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

I have actually been thinking about getting those because they band clamps suck

KurtRardin

iTrader: (11)

Yes they do, IMO. And then U clamps are the kiss-of-death to your exhaust that you spent a grand on. Aint no gettin your exhaust apart again because its crimped together.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

So with the aluminum foil do i just wrap it around the slip fit area and then put my band clamp back over it?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

exactly. I have had all my setups flanged. If you have a leak problem you get some of the dead soft gaskets and that crap goes away fast.

94'BLKBRD

iTrader: (76)

I heard aluminum foil works.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

Yea i would like to try the foil but i'm trying to find out how to apply it

Omec

iTrader: (2)

what kind of band clamp are you using and ill see if i can explain how to use the tin foil. is it like any of these and if so what one.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

I've used the aluminum HVAC duct tape (not the plastic, the
metal) on all my header, Y, I joints with pretty good results.
It's basically "packing" and the clamp holds it in place pretty
well. It was all still there last time I took the Y off. I'm not
going to put flanges onto this setup though I would if it was
a good stainless one that I expected to last forever. Flanges
would actually make it easier but it'd screw up the coating for
sure. What's left of it anyway.

Some band clamps have offset diameters and work better on
slip fit connections while ones with identical diameters at both
ends are for butted, not overlapping pipe.