Gap in manifold-BackPipe Connection

[TomoHawk]

Higuys,

I noticed that there is a gap of about 3-5mm between the exhaust manifold flange and the  flange of the tail pipe. It's not an even gap (wider on one end.)  If the gap is expected, I thought it out to at least be constant.

Is that going to be a serious problem?  I could fill the gap with some high-temperature RTV sealer, or I could spend a bundle to get a better exhaust man re-work the exhaust (I was considering the Monza exhaust.)   Isn't there a spherical joint there, and you only need to tighten it to get a better seal, or just get a proper (thicker) gasket?

 

 

[Zed Head]

You're right, it should be parallel, and it should also be small, if any gap at all.  The flange gasket has two metal rings that do the actual sealing but after torquing the bolts, the gap closes pretty tight around the edges, to about gasket thickness.  Not uncommon for the header pipe to get bent if somebody runs over a curb or a speed bump.  I had a bent one that gave me problems for quite a while.  Found an unbent piece and replaced it.  So much better to have the parts aligned properly.

[TomoHawk]

I should then get to a talented muffler guy to take the thing off and adjust the bend to match.

[Zed Head]

Shouldn't take much.  Hopefully it's been off recently so he doesn't break any studs.  You are talking about Detail A, right?

[TomoHawk]

That's correct.  I had the thought that it probably doesn't need much, as if you used a saw to make a cut, then bend it right and weld over the cut.

[Patcon]

Does the gap leak? Can you feel exhaust coming out the exhaust gap with the car idling or hear it? If it didn't leak I wouldn't touch it. "If it ain't broke don't break it." sort of thing...