"Proper" Hardware for Manifold to Cat Pipe?

[nobbyv]

I put on a Walker replacement exhaust on my '97 2.3L last year, and have now developed a leak where the existing manifold meets the new cat downpipe. I did NOT use the "spring" type bolts when bolting this together last time, and am wondering if that's why it's "separated", because there was no freedom of movement. Can anyone tell me what the OEM bolts look like for this connection? Should you always use the spring-type bolts when you've got a connection using the "donut" gasket, to allow for movement?
Thanks!

 

[ericlerouge]

I don't know how to put a link, but rock auto lists the bolts and springs as a kit, I can't tell you either if your problem comes from there...

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[ericlerouge]

Walker 36129

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[nobbyv]

Walker 36129

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Thanks for the reply, but I *think* those are for the back end of the CC pipe to mate to the next section. All the parts diagrams I've found seem to show "standard" studs (no springfs) for the manifold to the CC pipe, though I believe they have a "standoff" section with no threads to keep the donut compressed, but not too compressed. I just don't know which ones.

 

[ericlerouge]

Oh sorry, you're right

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[Jimmyrig]

My brother in law fought this problem for months because he solid mounted his exhaust instead of using rubber hangers, check to be sure your exhaust isn't bound up against anything (spare tire is a common culprit) that will keep it from moving freely. It's possible that your new part was the spot that flexed the easiest. Another possibility is that after heating and cooling, expanding and contracting, things loosened up a bit or a bolt stretched a little. I would double check the torque on the bolts, then wiggle the exhaust, or have someone else wiggle it while you watch the connection. There are exceptions, and this could be one, but the exhaust should be completely rigid at the manifold and do all its moving with the rubber hangers or with a flex pipe if it came with one