Manifold to Header Pipe Exhaust Leak.

[kevindpm61]

My son's SX'4 had an exhaust leak from the manifold to header pipe that was present after initial cold start-up. I finally was able to remove the nuts and take off the header pipe. The pipe mounting surface looks good. The exhaust manifold doesn't need a separate donut as it has the concave mounting surface. Anything that I can do to improve sealing when I bolt it back together? I was thinking about applying some Copper RTV around the exhaust pipe flange. Not sure if it would hold up in this application.

[kevindpm61]

I've decided to not use high temp RTV for reassembly. Did some research on the web and spoke with the folks at Wurth. I think that I'm going to give their exhaust assembly paste a try. The rep that I spoke with said that it was a perfect application for this job. I'll report back once the car is up and running.

http://www.shopwurthusa.com/wurthstorefront/Chemical-Product/Miscellaneous/Exhaust-Assembly-Paste-4-94-Fl-Oz-Tube/p/0890100045#

[vangremlin]

Good luck!  I'm interested to hear how the paste works.  When I first got my car running, I had an exhaust leak at the same spot.  Turned out the first shop just did a poor job of getting the nuts tightened on there good.  Second shop had it fixed in no time.

[Draekon]

The link states that the paste becomes metal hard and seal permanently. I'd be worried about not being able to separate the exhaust after using that stuff.

[kevindpm61]

I asked the manufacturer about whether the parts could be taken apart and if the sealant could be removed if necessary. I was told that parts can be removed. and that it can be removed using a grinding stone or flap wheel.