Exhaust Leak

[GrassyKnoll]

Ok here is my problem,

My new exhaust was installed about a month ago. I have a Random Technology High-Flow cat connected to a Stromung mid-pipe. I have had trouble getting a good seal here every since the start.

First I broke the donut gasket that came with the random tech cat. It fits onto the cat and when I tried screwing it on, it ripped hte gasket to shreds (obviously put it in wrong). So, I ordered another and tried again. I made sure to get a buddy and line everything up this time so it appeared to work. Now, SAME PROBLEM! I can hear the exhaust leak right beneath me (at the cat/midpipe joint) and I cant figure out how to make it a good seal.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Wiscon_Mark]

I had the shop do mine, as the donut gasket looked tricky, and it's been fine. I'd say break down and have it done at your local reputable shop.

[Huffer]

Did you clean both surfaces? I did mine, used a little gasket sealer to make sure I had a good bond.

[GrassyKnoll]

yea i dont even think that is the problem. It seems like whenever I tighten the bolts the gasket breaks apart... which makes me think im tighteneing it too much. but if i dont tighten it that much then it doesnt seal.... i guess i should have my shop do it :cry:

[ivwarrior]

If I recall correctly, that spot should have "spring bolts" to allow the joint to flex a bit. Do you have the right bolts there?

[GrassyKnoll]

perhaps not. I should get some proper working spring bolts in.

[Wiscon_Mark]

If I recall correctly, that spot should have "spring bolts" to allow the joint to flex a bit. Do you have the right bolts there?

That's true, I remember seeing those.

[GrassyKnoll]

Okay I tired some longer screws with springs and that didn't work either. I think this is because the gasket that fits the random tech cat is too big to fit nicely into the stromung midpipe. To remedy this problem, I screwed the two together pretty tight, so that it just barely started to crush the old gasket. Then, I bought some exhaust-patch-sealer-putty-stuff and spread it all around the joint between the two.

It has to set overnight then tomorrow I will see if it worked! :!: