96 Challenger Water Leak

[pl_dwsn]

On th elake yesterday, my engine bogged down and would not go over 5K rpm's. I looked at the engine and there was water leaking out of the bottom of the joint where the tuned pipe bolts onto the exhaust manifold (787 engine) I recently replaced this gasket when I had to have a plug welded on the tuned pipe. When I took off the pipe the bottom part of the gasket was bent down slightly opening the gap where the water flows through the tuned pipe. My question is, when i installed the pipe onto the manifold is it possible to warp the gasket and cause it to leak? Or do I need to apply sealant when bolting these pieces together? When I disassembled it the first time to fix the tuned pipe plug, someone had applied sealant.

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

you need to be sure to use locktite (Blue) on the bolts.. These things vibrate like crazy.. I did all the plugs in my speedster a few weeks back and had one of the pipes losen a little so I re-tighten with more locktite applied.. I alway check the engines a few times when im out after doing repairs.. I am very carefull, but you just never know what can happen so just check.. As for the sealent you need the high temp silicone (Brown) for the exhaust.. IF the surface is really clean you should be fine without it.. I always scrape then use a piece of 80 grit sand paper to clean the surface..