Exhaust leak

[coulrophobian]

I have an exhaust leak that I BELIEVE is coming from where the exhaust manifold connects to the "Y" pipe. My problem is I can't get the bolts to jar loose. I've soaked em with PB, WD... does anyone have any other suggestions for what I can use? I was reading on Kunz that exhaust leaks can lead to hotter manifolds, leading to hotter heads so I thought I would take care of the problem. Also, once I get the manifold(s) off, what should I do to fix the problem? No gaskets there right? Just the flange?

 

[low_five]

heat. buy borrow or rent a propane torch and heat those puppies up. they only cost like 50 bucks plus like 10 bucks for small bottle of propane.

 

[coulrophobian]

What if I just drive if for a bit? I have an oxyacetylene torch I could heat em up with. Heat em up til they're red or what?

 

[low_five]

the problem with getting everything hot is that its hard to work around, you keep burning your hands. it might work though. dont get it red hot, you will likely warp something once you get the bolt out and it cools down. Ive had one not ever come out, keep that in mind, and I used every trick in the book on that one. good luck.

 

[coulrophobian]

Once I get em (IF I get em) what do I look for? Pitting? What would I do to fix the problem?

 

[low_five]

usually the only thing that would cause a leak around there is the y-pipe took a bump and moved things around, which might be another reason its so difficult to break free. in my experience, that is a very solid connection, and it seals up nicely too, especially for such a pain in the ass it is. if it was me, Id look around for pitting (not likely) maybe sand everything down, and retighten everything. be prepared for it not lining back up after you take it off. I had to pry on it once with an axe handle to get it to go back together.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

is it at a flange or raw pipe?

 

[pcollins]

oxyacetylene torch is the best thing to use. then what we actually do its after getting them red hot, quench them in cold water. it really helps. just dont plan on using those bolts again. if worse comes to worse, we had to cut the nut off the bolt once, then turn it out and re tap the hole.

 

[rangerguy351]

i like to take and cut that pos flange off and get a small Y pipe like some people use on the tail pipe of a car... and re connect them with that works fine. then just weld it or clamp it back on

 

[coulrophobian]

is it at a flange or raw pipe?

I suspect that it's at the flange. Haven't looked at it too closely yet. Gonna check it out today and hopefully have a success update later.

 

[CraigK]

coulrophobian

1) better access to the flange by removing the passenger side wheel and wheel-well plastic.

2) for this issue, check out the exhaust forum

3) try this link:


http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16138&highlight=y-pipe+split+flange

CraigK