Ok, so Ive found an exhaust leak between my header and down pipe. I have an aftermarket 4-2-1 header. It's right between the 2 flanges, and it looks almost as if the bottom flange, the one attached to the down pipe, bent somehow (probably back when the car was overheating before I replaced the water pump). Without buying any new exhaust pieces, what do you guys think will be my best bet to fix it. I already have several ideas on how I could approach this, I just want to hear yalls input first. I may try to snap a few pics for you guys tomorrow. Thanks!

 

 

The leak is between the 2 flanges, and I dont want to weld the down pipe to the header. I've considered using the copper liquid exhaust gasket maker on it, or exhaust wrap it, or even pulling the parts off of the car and trying to beat the bent flange straight with a sledge. Im sorry I will try to remember to get pics up Tom. I've just been super busy last couple days and it's already dark outside tonight .maybe I'll atempt to go get a few pics tonight anyway. Just want to see if there is a better, or what the best, solution would be.

 

The leak is on the left hand side of the pic. This is looking at the front of the motor with my camera facing the motor just to be clear. You can see a little black soot on the exhaust from the leak. It makes a super annoying ticking sound all the time, and there is black soot on my radiator.

 

After seeing the pic myself, which is the closest look I've been able to get at it, maybe it isn't bent and the gasket has just deteriorated. It's awful rusty, and idk how much trouble I would have trying to remove the bolts. Since it's an old rusty exhaust on a beater car, would an external "patch" such as exhaust wrap be my best bet? What are you guys opinion?

 

I would start by trying to fix it right. Those rusty screws might be a bitch to remove. Use some PB Blaster the day before and an impact wrench from below. If you get it apart, you should be able to find a dimply metal gasket to fit. Get all the old gasket out of there. Use some copper spray on the new one.

If disassembly fails, welding will probably work. Yes, header wrap will muffle the sound a little, but that’s pretty ghetto, okay for a beater I guess.

 

yes, replace the failed gasket.

 

Are you serious? Stop giving GHETTO *** advice, noob.