C2: Exhaust joint sealing

[Dan Pepper]

After replacing the clutch in my coupe, I reassebled the N11 system only to find an exhaust leak in the left pipe joint. Looks like the pipe is well at the joint, but it might be able to go in a bit farther.

Is there a tool that pulls the sections together rather than whacking, twisting and wrenching on the pipes? And, the AIM calls for some type of sealer on the joint. What is this compound and is it recommended to use? Thanks.

[Terry M.]

Re: C2: Exhaust joint sealing *TL*

Dan,
There is no tool that I know of to aid in assembling exhaust systems. You may need to re-form the pipe ends. The clamps have deformed the ends and they may need to be re-shaped. This is best done on a hydraulic machine. Take the pipes to a good exhaust shop. They should be able to reform them for little or no cost.

There is an exhaust system assembly paste available from a company named Wurth. See link below. It may be available from a source near you, check around.

http://www.zapspeedracing.com/pefllu.html

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2: Exhaust joint sealing

I believe I saw the tool to pull pipe joints together in an Eastwood catalogue. Don't know anything about them but if need to be forced together, you can buy a tool that will resize the pipe ends. I can't quote a source but I have seen them available.

If you put the clamp back in the same location where it first squeezed the pipe, it could leak. I'd move the clamp on a virgin surface and try it again.

If you have a metal strap wrench, you can wrap it around the pipe and hammer on the wrench and drive the pipes together without damaging your pipes. You can also use a torch to heat the pipe to red. That will make it go together like a knife through butter. Do I need to say, "open flame and fiberglass do not mix"?

I've never used the pipe dope.
Mike

[Craig S.]

Re: C2: Exhaust joint sealing

Terry - there is a tool, bought one at Carlisle last year...about $30. basically, it has a billet steel section with a u clamp on each side and threaded rods to extract and draw in the clamp sections. I haven't tried it yet, and Eastwood does have a similar tool cast vs billet CNC machined....Craig

[Terry M.]

One can never have too many tools *TL*

Thanks for the info Craig. Exhaust system work is not among my favorite past times. Probably why I didn't know about that. Billet, eh? Might have to add that to my collection.

[Craig S.]

Re: One can never have too many tools

Terry - if you go to Carlisle, I am sure he will be back. As I recall, he was somewhere directly in from gate 7....about 1/3 of the way up towards gate 1. He had two sizes, for 2-2.5" work, and 2.5-3" work. I got the smaller. My usual method is to use a hot wrench on exhausts and trash em....but with corvettes, well....Craig

[Al Corelli]

I knew you'd have one of those, Craig *NM*

[Craig S.]

Re: I knew you'd have one of those, Craig

AC - you know me and tools....we gotta get together this year in Carlisle and tip a few!....Craig