[78SilverShark]

Okay, let me try to explain this as well as possible. I took off my mufflers today to hear what she sounded like without them (I'm thinking on just putting straight pipes out the back).

And when I put them back on, even with the clamps really tight, it was still sliding and, when I started her up, I could hear the exaust coming out that spot.

The part I'm talking about is right before the muffler body. It's not the 90* joint, but the one right after that, before the muffler. Know what I mean?

Anyways, the clamp is as tight as I can get it, and it's still sliding around and leaking exaust. What can I do? I suspect that it wasn't doing this before I took it off, because it might have been sealed by rust, and when I took it off, that seal as gone now.

But what can I do to get this totally 100% sealed again? Did I explain what I mean about where this is?

Thanks!

78SilverShark

BTW, it's a 1978 Corvette.

[DoubleVision]

did you add washers to the clamps to clamp it tighter? you can also use a cut section of old exhaust pipe, cut a piece off about 2 inches long, cut it again down the side, slide it on, place the clamp over it and tighten down.

[Walker]

Weld it! or get a new clamp, or try two clamps with one turned 180* from the first.

[78SilverShark]

I'm not going to weld it. That will be more work than necessary, I think. DoubleVision, I don't think I totally understand your idea with the metal. I should just place more metal to get it fit and more snug? But won't that be too much, and then they won't be able to slide over each other? I can't imagine that there is that much gap between the two mating surfaces.

78SilverShark

[78SilverShark]

This pipe expander was recommended to me to just expand the male end of the pipe to tightly fit the other end. What do you think? Will this do the trick?

Thanks!

78SilverShark

[78SilverShark]

Any ideas? Please help me.

[kitkar]

Get a tube of muffler cement from your local muffler shop. Apply a 1/8" coating all the way around the mating surface of the male pipe. This must be done when the pipes are cold, because the cement is heat activated. Slide the pipes together, without disturbing the cement too much. Use a new clamp, and tighten it in a fresh spot, with an impact wrench. Run the engine till the pipes are hot. If it doesn't seal the first time, tighten up the clamp more, or use more muffler cement.

Hope this helps, kitkar

[78SilverShark]

I was thinking I would take it to a muffler shop, but my dad said might as well let them fix it. I don't mind doing it myself (like something like you recommended), but how much would it be to just get them to fix the pipes together? Otherwise I'll just do it myself like the way you said to do it.

Thanks!

78SilverShark

[kitkar]

78 SS;

At the shop where I work:

4 new clamps @ $2.50 ea
30 min labour @ $49.00/hr

Total - $35.00

kitkar

[1BAD80]

I use a expander for my pipes. It may be a little more in price, but you have it for future use. You have to get the clamp load dents out of the pipe for it to set again. Well worth the money, I have one for 2 1.2" to 3 1/2 ". Best tool I have for any exhaust work, especially when you do your own work. Always use new clamps.
George

[78SilverShark]

Well, the pipe expander that I linked to above is only $15 and that's not too bad. But will I be using this tool again in the future? Is it worth to buy another tool again? Or should I just take it to the muffler shop?

78SilverShark

[1BAD80]

Is it worth to buy another tool again?

Well lets see your 17 now according to your info.
Do you plan to ever own another car ?
I would say get the tool and 2 clamps and put the other $10. in the tank.

[78SilverShark]

This is true. It probably will be used again. Okay, so what do I need and need to do?

I'll get the expander for the pipe, but that's all I'll need for the pipe, right? That will fix the problem of fitting? And I should get new clamps too?

Thanks!

78SilverShark