Downpipe leak...help?!

[Matt Weiser]

I have a 3" downpipe of unknown origin and it is leaking at the turbo flange (stock turbo). The DP attaches to the turbo with two bolts, and the attaching flange on the DP appears to be bent (the part of the flange that the bolts pass through, that is). There is a round raised area above the attaching flange that, I guess, is supposed to seal against the turbo, and this seems to be where the leak is.

Is there any way to fix a leak like this? Does anyone make a copper gasket or anything similar that might seal it up?

 

[SilverSleeper]

Dont even bother with it.
I had one of those, and I could never get it to seal. I believe it is sold through Poston, thats where I got mine.

The design doesnt really even eliminate the biggest restriction...the factory elbow.
Honestly, you would be better off getting a Terry Houston pipe which replaces both the elbow and the downpipe with one piece.

If you are still running an unported factory elbow, you wont even see much of a difference. BTDT.

 

[JFH]

downpipe

Or you could try Mease Performance. I have one and its a very nice piece.

http://www.measeperformance.com/


John

 

[Randy Greenoe]

I had brand new Houston and a new Mease . Not much different in appearance,but I used the Houston {proven performer} and sold the Mease. No regrets.

 

[Matt Weiser]

I was afraid you'd say this. Oh well. The damn DP is leaking at the cat junction too and also hitting the frame, so I guess it really is a POS. Time to search the archives for "best downpipe?" or such like. Thanks guys!

 

[Renthorin]

Matt, sounds like you have the Poston's downpipe just like me.

If you are tight on funds, there is a gasket that fits that DP and the stock exhaust elbow. Seals up just like the stock gasket did. Looks the same as the stock gasket except it is wider. The stock gasket will fall into the dp if you try to use it.

The gasket I speak of is from a 90's Caddy. I don't have the exact part number without going into the garage.

If you want to try that it is a 9 dollar fix. Let me know and I will go get the part number.

 

[Matt Weiser]

Renthorin: Yes, thanks for the tip, I'm interested in that gasket. I don't have the coin for a new downpipe right now and may not for a while, so if you can get that part number it would be great. Thanks!

 

[Trbobuick]

Use a donut from a 93 caddy 4.9 anything.

You will need longer bolts though.

I had a kirban two piece and it leaked till i got the donut.

I cant remember part number but the guys at NAPA helped me out.

 

[Renthorin]

Matt, Brian is the one who set me on the path for the gasket so ...yeah....what he said

I will look tomorrow for the box.

If the DP is hitting the frame just adjust it. Mine doesn't leak and doesn't contact the frame. I went with a band clamp instead of a U clamp to mate the two pieces together.

 

[Matt Weiser]

Thanks all. If you can get the actual part # that would be great. Yep, I have a new band clamp that I'm gonna try, and I've decided a little trimming of the pipes where they meet at the cat may help (kinda torn up there).

 

[Matt Weiser]

Well I found the donut gasket you guys were talking about. The part number my local CarQuest store got for me was a Victor F7521 and it flit like a glove between the turbo and downpipe. Between this and a nice stainless band clamp between the downpipe and cat, my leaks are solved. Thanks!

 

[Renthorin]

Matt, one word of advice. I too have a band clamp on my DP. After a while check it as my two sections of the DP moved apart a tiny bit. I shoved the two pieces together and retighend the band clamp and all has been well so far.

Glad you found the part. Sorry I could not give you a number......I can not find my box. :-(