Fighting exhaust leaks


danielschudel

Forum Member

Joined
Jun 23, 2025
Messages
25
Points
101
City
NC / USA
Vehicle Year
2003
Engine
3.0L
Transmission
Automatic
I fighting a number of exhaust leaks. At #1-#2 left and right (exhaust manifold to Y-pipe). At gasket #9 and donut gasket #10.

I've replaced #9 and #10 and re-torqued nuts at #1-#2. But the same leaks remain.

Honestly though - some of these surfaces have 20-years of pitting due to rust and are no longer anywhere near perfect.

Should I be doing something more than just replacing the gaskets? Like some sort of RTV sealant?

Fighting exhaust leaks
 
I have heard of people using clear bathroom silicone to seal headers before. IDK if it would work or not...
I have a similar problem myself. I think mine is because the rear portion isn't mounted exactly right and is under tension though.
 
I have heard of people using clear bathroom silicone to seal headers before. IDK if it would work or not...
I have a similar problem myself. I think mine is because the rear portion isn't mounted exactly right and is under tension though.
@SenorNoob - interesting just bathroom silicone. That would probably make future work possible.

There is some stuff out there where people say you gotta chisel/grind it off later. That would make future work a PITA.

I now see Permatex has at least two products for sealing exhaust - red for highest temperature (2000F) and copper for up to 700F.
 

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