Exhaust Leak @ Flange After Y Pipe

[100Timelord]

1997 Ford Ranger V6 XLT

I have an exhaust leak directly under the car somewhere in the front wheel area. I believe it is where the y pipe meets with the pipe to the cats/that flange. I can see a whole bunch of orange RTV on the flange like it has been repaired before, but it is rusted the same as the rest of the exhaust so I doubt it has been replaced. Can I simply clean the mating surface and reapply RTV, or is there a certain gasket I need to install there?

 

[gw33gp]

I don't know for sure about yours but mine has a graphite looking fairly thick gasket there.

 

[100Timelord]

I don't know for sure about yours but mine has a graphite looking fairly thick gasket there.

More Information for WALKER 31609

Would that be this doohickey?

 

[600$04Ranger]

That's the correct gasket. The studs on my cat were pretty stripped so I removed them and used stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers in their place in order to get a tight fit. The noise from that leaking flange was quite loud. Bought the truck knowing it needed major repairs but didn't find out previous owner gutted all 3 cats until I finished rebuilding the engine about a year after towing it home. If you end up replacing the y pipe and 2 cats at some point make sure you are getting a direct fit replacement. The one I bought from Parts geek was not even though it said it was compatible.