I have a turbonetics kit and no matter what I did (tighten and readjusting), I just could get a perfect seal from the V-band joints on the downpipe of my turbokit. I had even tightened the clamps so much that the clamps had stretched!

Anyway, Turbonetics sent me some new clamps last week. I swpped them out, and guess what........I still had leaks!!!! granted these are small leaks that I had to use a listening device (a piece of 3/8" hose plugged into my ear ), but they are leaks nonetheless and these leaks would get worse when the exhaust got heated up.

Finally, here's the easy solution:



Mr. Gasket header collector gaskets. They already have a 2.5" hole cut out in the middle. I just trimmed (scissors) down the outside to fit inside the v-band clamp. Once trimmed down, I removed the clamp from the downpipe, slipped the gasket in between the 2 pipes. Slip the V-band clamp back ove the joint, and TIGHTEN!!!

I checked with my listening device and all is well!!!!!

You can pick these gaskets up at any auto parts stores.

Good luck and seal up your pipes!!!

Andrew

 

G*wd D*mmm Quad, you are my hero!!!! i follow everything you do with eyeballs wide open........i hope to join you shortly as TN ST sedan !!!
funniest thing was that when i looked the v bands and noticed the small leaks on them,(bought used kit),i was already thinking of using high temp sealant on those spots.......well, not no more!!!

oh, your listening device......so "garden variety" but most effective!

 

yeah andrew is like me, do it yourself, hands on kinda person. im sure if he didnt have a wife and son he would be just as crazy as i am!!

 

One of mine downpipes (2-3) always leaked slightly as well. Nobody could hear it but me, but you know how it goes with your own car and noises. Good job...

 

well, now that I have had this mod in there for about 1000 miles, I noticed I was getting leaks again.

I pulled the gasket out this morning, and this is what it looks like. Apparently, the gasket wasn't sitting in place correctly. it looks a little toasty!!! I replaced it with a cheap collector gasket this morning, but I am going to order some good copper gaskets.

 

the style gaskets that nissan uses on the exhaust manifold/head bolt up, a multi layer crush metal style, will work well. Or use those paperish ones you had with that ultra copper RTV sealant.

 

yup I always smell exhaust and my clamps are tightened down...really need a good fix for this issue..

Besides welding that is

 

keep us updated if you find anything new, cause I was just about to go get some of those gaskets, guess not now

T

 

these look good:


or these:

 

it looks like the gasket didn't get put in correctly the last time the exhaust was apart. I should have double checked it, but because I didn't put it in, I didn't think much of it. oh well. Since I cut the gaskets myself, they were a little smaller on overall diameter and it was obviously possible to install the gasket off center.....yielding the pictured result.

The new gasket I cut was a bit larger and I think fits better. I find out soon enough.

 

it would be hard to trim one of those gaskets down with a pair of scissors!