TheSamba.com :: View topic - How to seal J Tubes and what exhaust gaskets are best?

Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:55 pm

I have a new ceramic coated merged header with A-1 Sidewinder muffler. NO heat. I have exhaust leaks at the slip joints where the J-tubes connect. Any ideas on how to seal this area?

Also, what are the best exhaust gaskets to use at the flanges.

Thanks.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:56 pm

You can use high temp silicone.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:04 pm

Thanks Glenn.

Any particular brand or just whatever the auto parts store has.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:05 pm

I've used Permatex Ultra Copper.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:12 pm

Great. I really appreciate it. Any suggestion on gaskets for the flange connections?

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:12 pm

How about muffler cement-available at most parts stores for a few dollars.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:12 pm

That will work but might be a bit too thick.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:26 pm

High-temp RTV will work fine on the slip joints. The secret is to let it set overnight before starting the engine.

Most supply places sell the paper/fiber exhaust flange gaskets.

Use anti-seize on the exhaust studs to help keep the nuts from seizing.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:38 pm

Thanks everybody. I'll give it a try this weekend.

Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:18 am

maindj wrote: I have a new ceramic coated merged header with A-1 Sidewinder muffler. NO heat. I have exhaust leaks at the slip joints where the J-tubes connect. Any ideas on how to seal this area?

Also, what are the best exhaust gaskets to use at the flanges.

Thanks.[/b]

My A1 has bolt together flanges there :?

Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:58 am

would that leak at the slip be considered an exhaust leak? Could that leak also cause backfiring lets say on a dual cannon set up?

Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:11 am

74 Thing wrote: How about muffler cement-available at most parts stores for a few dollars.
It seals, bits a PITA to remove.If anything at all is required on the flanges, and nothing should, use Ultra Copper as Glenn suggested.

Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:12 pm

Quote: My A1 has bolt together flanges there Confused

I am talking about the flanges at the exhaust outlets on the heads. The flange from the header to the muffler is bolt together flanges.

Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:51 am

maindj wrote: Quote: My A1 has bolt together flanges there Confused

I am talking about the flanges at the exhaust outlets on the heads. The flange from the header to the muffler is bolt together flanges.

Well you also said slip joints at first , they will seal up with engine soot.

The flange to head should not be a problem, just a gasket is all you need, what sort of gaskets do you have? how many miles on the engine?

Sat Apr 11, 2009 5:06 pm

It is a new engine. right now I have copper exhaust gaskets at the heads. Looks like the problem area is the slip joint on the J-Tube from #1 cylinder to the merged header. There is a puff of exhaust and soot coming out of this area. I am going to try the Ultra COpper silicone that Glenn recommended.

Are the copper gaskets good?

Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:50 pm

my header flange is much larger than the J tube o.d. like it was made for the larger J tubes. my J tube was also etched out by corrosion right where the gasket goes. this made an even worse fit. i had to fill weld the etched out portion, mill the excess back round and add exhaust paste. it sealed the joint very well. i let it set overnight before firing up the engine. it also stopped the exhaust ignition explosions in the muffler as i backed off the throttle. backfiring occurs in the carb not the muffler. so if you are really having a backfiring issue, fixing the exhaust leak will not help it.

Mon Apr 13, 2009 10:28 am

Looks like the Ultra Copper did the trick thanks to everyone!

Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:53 pm

gaskets on the head flanges are a joke. 2 flat serfaces and a light bead of breast GOO = no leaks for many years. the nuts will actualy stop. j tubes again more GOO. JD.

Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:52 pm

Hey Jeff,

What product do you use to seal the exhaust and where is it available for sale?