Topic: Cat Converter Questions

[46&2]

Catalytic converters = PITA.

I replaced my cat today and i kept running into a small problem. No matter how many times I tweaked it, on the header pipe side i cannot get the converter to seal completly. I have loosened it, moved it slightly, over and over and every time I do it it leaks a slight amount. I have done this about 12 times and each time it still leaks a slight amount. Everything is tightened down well, the gasket is in place and visualy it looks like the converter is directly over the gasket.

I am just wondering, is this going to cause any problems, short term or long term? Ive just about had it with loosening it and repositioning it. So what should I do? Suck it up and keep messing with it until it seals? or just run it? Im just really frustrated that something this simple is causing me this much of a head ache.  thanks for your input.

-Nick

[CTENG in KS]

I couldn't get my header to seal for the life of me...finally just said screw it and ran a bead of copper RTV.  Sealed up perfect, it is holding up well.  It should werk fine for converter too, just try to keep it from getting insode the converter.  Make sure you give it enough time to cure before running the engine.

[Tallchevy]

Leave it for a while (if you can) & cool down. I find that when I frustrated & things are going wrong, I go relax for a while & come back to it. Then the damn thing goes together with no problem !@#$ 

[46&2 [OP]]

Well i just took a break and went and tried about another 6 times, finally got it to ALMOST seal....it is a very faint leak, just enough to barely feel it with your hands from the top side. I think i will try the rtv seal. its better than it was but i still cant quite get the POS to seal up completely. I feel like a damned monkey, i have my left knee pushing up on the cat, my right hand pulling down on the header pipe and my only other hand is left juggling two wrenches. ahhh!

thanks for the input fellas   

[DTB]

Leave it for a while (if you can) & cool down. I find that when I frustrated & things are going wrong, I go relax for a while & come back to it. Then the damn thing goes together with no problem !@#$ 

i tried that same strategy but then i come back and forget what the hell i was doing

[chachilla]

I too have this same problem i just let it be becuase i havent found a solution to fix it .....

[BLACKDOG]

You can buy some exhaust sealer at your local auto parts store.  I was skeptical, but when I replaced my cat, I tried it, and it sealed well.  Also, if you have an existing leak at a bolted together joint, you can put the paste over the leak, and let it cure, and it goes away!  You don't have to unbolt the whole thing.  

[46&2 [OP]]

You can buy some exhaust sealer at your local auto parts store.  I was skeptical, but when I replaced my cat, I tried it, and it sealed well.  Also, if you have an existing leak at a bolted together joint, you can put the paste over the leak, and let it cure, and it goes away!  You don't have to unbolt the whole thing. 

Cool , sounds good. I will stop by kragen after class and see what i can find. thanks for the info guys.

[BLACKDOG]

yeah, just look by where they have the exhaust clamps and stuff.  I got mine at pep boys, its in an orange tube, and says exhaust sealer, or something like that.  Just make sure you follow the directions EXACTLY.  Thats the only problem.  I didn't listen to them the first time

[*ROKTOY*]

Might could try loosening the header connection then repositioning the connection on the cat, tighten the cat first then the header. Might need to use two collector gaskets.

[DTB]

does that stuff really work that well? like when u start flexing and hitting stuff would it crack? or is it flexible?

[BLACKDOG]

does that stuff really work that well? like when u start flexing and hitting stuff would it crack? or is it flexible?

its worked so far.  As long as everything is bolted up tight, it should be alright.   I'm not going to say how well real long term, but its been on there for 2 wheeling trips, and nothing yet.