Exhaust: Exhaust sealant

[64studeavanti]

Putting a new exhaust system on Avanti R5408. It is the "quiet" system with H crossover pipe and resonators. The last time I put an exhaust system on this car was over 15 years ago. It appears that every joint leaked.

Should I use sealant on the joints? What brand/type. I have already purchased permatex 80335 muffler and tailpipe sealer as well as permatex 81878 ultra copper gasket maker exhaust.
Any recommendations?

[StudeRich]

Proper fitting Pipes and good Clamps should Never leak, they didn't when New, so something is not correct if they do.

In all the Dozens of Intake Manifolds and Exhaust Manifolds and Pipes and Mufflers I have put together over 60 Years I NEVER need ANYTHING to seal ANY of them, Dry and Tight with Parallel Angles of mating surfaces should do it.

Is it a Silvertone, Canada System or a Parks Pipes?

[Dwight FitzSimons]

Avanti R5407 got a new exhaust system made by an unknown shop in Mass, and installed there. It leaked everywhere! I have always used muffler cement successfully, although it makes the pipes harder to remove.

One solution is the stainless steel band clamps -- see pix.

--Dwight

[64studeavanti]

Is it a Silvertone, Canada System or a Parks Pipes?

The new one is Parks. The previous one that leaked was an aluminized system from Nostalgic. I bought from Parks because they would make a "silent" system with the crossover and resonators and none of the others were interested. That was a few years ago, so things may have changed.

So far, everything fits together well. The only downside is that Parks does not do aluminized or stainless.

[64studeavanti]

FWIW, when I put the aluminized system on 15 years ago, I purchased the Nostalgic hanger kit as well, so all the clamps were new. I purchased the Nostalgic hanger kit again, so I have all new clamps.

[Hawklover]

Avanti R5407 got a new exhaust system made by an unknown shop in Mass, and installed there. It leaked everywhere! I have always used muffler cement successfully, although it makes the pipes harder to remove.

One solution is the stainless steel band clamps -- see pix.

--Dwight

Plus one big time on the band clamps!

[Colgate Studebaker]

Henry, in all the exhaust systems I've worked on over many many years, I very rarely had leaking joint issues. The few times I did I used the NAPA exhaust system sealant. It has a very thick consistency, comes in a tube and I'd squeeze some onto my finger and spread it around the pipe, then put the assembly together and clamp it. The sealer stays softish for quite a while, but will eventually harden up some. It has worked for me and I can recommend it. Hope it helps, Bill.