Sealing y-piece to manifolds

[Tavan]

Having removed pre-cats I have one manifold to Y joint blowing. Have ordered replacement clamps due to bolt shearing when removing. Question: should I be using exhaust sealant to make the stepped joints? If so can someone recommend a suitable sealant. TAI.

[HRG.]

I use firegum...

Top tip for getting it all pulled up nice and tight, use a ratchet luggage strap, saves over-stressing the clamps!

[Tavan]

Good tip. Thx HRG

[HRG.]

Daz?

[cinquecento]

Off topic.. but related..

Automotive Silicon Gasket sealant is often labelled as O2 sensor safe. Would bathroom sealant be an issue even with narrow band sensors?

[Del 203]

HRG. said:

Daz?

Quinny the plumber

[350Matt]

cinquecento said:

Off topic.. but related..

Automotive Silicon Gasket sealant is often labelled as O2 sensor safe. Would bathroom sealant be an issue even with narrow band sensors?

Yes

As silicon sealant burns it gives off acids which kill O2 sensors

[Tavan]

Update - problem with manifold blowing was due to some misalignment in one joint (Y to manifold) exacerbated by a knackered V-clamp (bolt sheared when removing). Tried a ratchet strap but still couldn't get the mating faces quite together due to the slight misalignment. So manifold now re-cut and TiG'd (thx to J), job done and no need for any gum/sealant. New v-clamps on order.

Sh*t aren't the manifold bolts a PITA, and whilst new hex head bolts help a lot, as they can be spannered, they are still bl**dy awkward.

[kbear]

Tavan said:

Sh*t aren't the manifold bolts a PITA, and whilst new hex head bolts help a lot, as they can be spannered, they are still bl**dy awkward.

I agree – I left a lot of skin from my knuckles in the engine bay doing mine…