Borla owners: cause of H-pipe leak
Borla owners: cause of H-pipe leak
The reason why the H-pipe is leaking is because it is not pushed in close enough together. There is barely enough room to make it fit right. If you look under there you might see a small hole at the junction.
My dad and I both kicked the pipes in from the sides. After we did that we looked under the pipe to see if there were any holes where the junction is. There wasn't any. We used a mirror to check the top of the junction.
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
When you turn the engine on the exhuast heats up and causes the red stuff to harden and conform around whatever part it touches, thus sealing any leaks. I tried to scrap some excess offf but it was so hard it wouldn't come off, so I believe it works and I haven't heard any leaking.
I hope this helps.
Victor
My dad and I both kicked the pipes in from the sides. After we did that we looked under the pipe to see if there were any holes where the junction is. There wasn't any. We used a mirror to check the top of the junction.
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
When you turn the engine on the exhuast heats up and causes the red stuff to harden and conform around whatever part it touches, thus sealing any leaks. I tried to scrap some excess offf but it was so hard it wouldn't come off, so I believe it works and I haven't heard any leaking.
I hope this helps.
Victor
Re: Borla owners: cause of H-pipe leak
Originally posted by Mike Wazowski
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
The pros will use a dab of silicone around each of the links to make sure they are sealed.
Makes me wonder just how well my dealership will put the exhaust back together again when they drop the tranny to do my tranny swap and flywheel.
Originally posted by Mike Wazowski
Where do you get this silicone? any particular brand?
Where do you get this silicone? any particular brand?
Also, he was asking me about sponsor details. Maybe you can let him know you're the forum admin and tell him I referred you to him about the silicone and to give him some information on what's involved with sponsorship.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
Re: Borla owners: cause of H-pipe leak
Originally posted by Mike Wazowski
The reason why the H-pipe is leaking is because it is not pushed in close enough together. There is barely enough room to make it fit right. If you look under there you might see a small hole at the junction.
My dad and I both kicked the pipes in from the sides. After we did that we looked under the pipe to see if there were any holes where the junction is. There wasn't any. We used a mirror to check the top of the junction.
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
When you turn the engine on the exhuast heats up and causes the red stuff to harden and conform around whatever part it touches, thus sealing any leaks. I tried to scrap some excess offf but it was so hard it wouldn't come off, so I believe it works and I haven't heard any leaking.
I hope this helps.
Victor
The reason why the H-pipe is leaking is because it is not pushed in close enough together. There is barely enough room to make it fit right. If you look under there you might see a small hole at the junction.
My dad and I both kicked the pipes in from the sides. After we did that we looked under the pipe to see if there were any holes where the junction is. There wasn't any. We used a mirror to check the top of the junction.
To make sure it doesn't leak, we used "exhaust bandage" from AutoZone. It consisted of a red tape and a foil tape. We wrapped the red stuff over the junction first, then wrapped it with the foil. Then clamped it like normal.
When you turn the engine on the exhuast heats up and causes the red stuff to harden and conform around whatever part it touches, thus sealing any leaks. I tried to scrap some excess offf but it was so hard it wouldn't come off, so I believe it works and I haven't heard any leaking.
I hope this helps.
Victor
I'm glad you fix the leak!!!
it will probly make more sense when i actually get my exhaust, but wtf r u guys talkin about? the h-pipe is connected loosely? u can push it together? is this a borla design feature? i'm confused now.
Trending Topics
and that doesn't mess up the allignment of the rest of the piping i assume, right? again, weird. did u push it completely together, like as far as it went? if so, i could weld it together before i jack the car up for the install.
Last edited by TheBigShow; Sep 30, 2003 at 05:10 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
From: Stevenson Ranch, CA
I installed my Borla about a week ago and have not heard any sort of leak. Is this something that develops over time in the H pipe or did you hear it right away? I used a torque wrench and tightened everything to spec. Perhaps overtightening warps the junction.
Have there been a lot of posts about this issue? I guess I better keep an eye on it if it is a common issue.
Have there been a lot of posts about this issue? I guess I better keep an eye on it if it is a common issue.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
Blue RTV
I believe Brett mentioned just plain ol' blue RTV gasket sealer. I guess the temp rating doesnt matter?
I used it and I'm leak free. Brett didnt go into any application detail but I just ran a thin bead (~1/8") around the MALE pipe, about 1" or so from the end.
I used it and I'm leak free. Brett didnt go into any application detail but I just ran a thin bead (~1/8") around the MALE pipe, about 1" or so from the end.
I noticed the H pipe problem when I did my install and used a clamp to squeeze the pipes together then clamped it. I had been in contact with Dave Borla regarding a different matter and mentioned to him that the female portion of the pipe needs to be lengthened but he never did respond to my suggestion.
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 0
From: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro BR
I also noticed that the h pipe was a little short on installation. What I did was pull the two pipes closer together until the little hole dissapeared and then I clamped the pipes together. If you do not pull/push the two pipes (h pipe) togeather they will line up with the hole showing which allows the exhaust leak.
It was very simple to fix, unless of course you did not see it on the install and then you'll have to go back under, loosen everything, pull them together and retighten everything.
I personally wouln not use that pipe wrap (no offence mike) its just that if you ever want to remove the pipes you will then be required to cut the h pipe to get the exhaust off.
Pull them together real hard and tighten the clamp, it worked for me!
It was very simple to fix, unless of course you did not see it on the install and then you'll have to go back under, loosen everything, pull them together and retighten everything.
I personally wouln not use that pipe wrap (no offence mike) its just that if you ever want to remove the pipes you will then be required to cut the h pipe to get the exhaust off.
Pull them together real hard and tighten the clamp, it worked for me!
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Florida
I have the borla on my g35 coupe, and I am beginning to worry that I might have a leak as well. When i accelerate hard, I can hear a little, but still audible "psssh" that may be a leak. Is that normal for you guys or is it a leak? Thanks
i have this annoying tick tick tick noise coming out of the h-pipe area. im gonna get the car up on a lift tomorow to see if there are any leaks. anyone have any other suggestions as to what it could be?
home depot sells silicone.
I have hit it with a soldering iron(WAY hotter than exhaust) and it wont be harmed in any way. it has a 50 year life and is flexable, so expanding and contracting gaps arent a problem.
it comes in lots of colors, clear, white, silver, brown. its the same stuff you use in showers or cabinets, its in the paint area.
RTV silicone Is a little different, its liquid gasket material.
I think both would work pretty much the same in this case tho...
I have hit it with a soldering iron(WAY hotter than exhaust) and it wont be harmed in any way. it has a 50 year life and is flexable, so expanding and contracting gaps arent a problem.
it comes in lots of colors, clear, white, silver, brown. its the same stuff you use in showers or cabinets, its in the paint area.
RTV silicone Is a little different, its liquid gasket material.
I think both would work pretty much the same in this case tho...
