Tuned Pipe Head Removal - Stuck! (96 GTX)

[SethG]

On my 96 GTX, I have a weak spot that exists just on the tuned pipe head that I need to weld shut. Following the manual I removed all hoses (bleed hose and water hoses) from the tuned pipe as well as the clamp holding the tuned pipe head in place to the rest of the tuned pipe assembly and the 4 screws holding it in place on the manifold.

I only need to remove the tuned pipe head, which appears perfectly possible at this point, but it will not come off. It seems as though it is stuck and something is preventing me from separating the tuned pipe head from the rest of the tuned pipe. The diagram does not show anything should be in the way at this point and gives the impression the pipe head should come right off.

Is there something I am doing wrong? There looks to be an orange rubber seal(or epoxy maybe?) that is holding the tuned pipe head almost like it is glued to the rest of the tuned pipe. I don't want to remove the whole tuned pipe as it seems unnecessary at this point if the head alone is supposed to come off.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
Seth

 

[Dr Honda]

Did you remove the bolt from the mount down by the MAG jug?

 

[SethG]

I'm not looking to remove the entire tuned pipe, and it appears that any bolts from the mount are only on the lower section of the tuned pipe - not the tuned pipe head. Are you referring to the retaining screws(there are two holding motor and exhaust)?

I didn't think I missed anything but its hard to work in such a small space. From the diagram it looks like there is a sealing ring between tuned pipe head and rest of tuned pipe. This is the only thing that looks like its holding stuff together. What are you referring to when you say MAG jug?

I will get pics to post later, that may help I suppose..
Thanks

 

[SethG]

Just an update - finally got the tuned pipe head off. It appears as though the person who repaired it last possibly used liquid sealing which apparently worked a little too well.

Can anyone tell me if there is a specific sealing ring I should look for to replace the one that was between the pipe head and the rest of tuned pipe (for 96 GTX)?