96 GTX Water Leak at Tuned Pipe/exhaust manifold

[jjsinaz]

Well, I knew my luck would run out sooner or later. Took the ski to a different lake today...one that's an hour and a half away, and wouldn't you know it, ski ran like crap. I did some troubleshooting and saw that the manifold gasket is leaking. This, in turn was spraying water out and since I have those nice aftermarket flame arrestors, was getting sucked into the engine. Yes, I know this is not a good thing. Didn't run the ski long and gave it a good blowing out after I pulled it so hopefully there won't be any rust damage.

Anyway, I pulled the pipe off, both pieces because the bushings are going bad and I figured this would be a good time to replace them.

Question, is it necessary to replace that copper gasket between the two tuned pipe pieces or can it be reused if it is in good shape?

I assume using that high temp RTV to seal it up is the right thing to use?

Do you need to put some type of sealer on the exhaust manifold to pipe gasket or does that just go on dry?

Thanks J

 

[vogs77]

I used the high temp copper rtv on the ring and the upper gasket for the manifold goes on dry. It has been fine for the 4 hours I put on it so far. Check the welded in plugs in the upper pipe to make sure they are not cracked or leaking, mine had a hole in it and sprayed water everywhere. I used a little JBweld to repair it until I can take it off and get it welded properly.

 

[jjsinaz]

Fortunately, those welded plugs were already fixed by a PO. Thanks for the tips on the sealer and gasket