Manifold flange / midpipe

is there supposed to be a gasket between the h pipe and the manifold flange?


I have a lethal or/x and I’m under the impression that I’m having trouble getting a perfect setting on the flanges.

Was there supposed to be a donut or traditional flats gasket on here?

And if not, is there a gasket I can install to help get a tighter seal?

I thought it was the xpipe however I reinstalled factory (Gutted) pipe and I have the same issue.

It’s under a heavy load. Not leaking to the touch under the car at idle.

Side note; does running an off road pipe naturally amplify engine noise? Not exhaust noise, but engine mechanics and ‘’ticking’’ when listening to the pipes under vehicle.

OEM header to X/H mid pipe is a ball and socket style connection that requires no gasket for proper sealing, like this below.

Correct..
.

Any tips to get this sitting better/properly. Doesn’t look to be any damage or bent flanges. I know it’s a ball and socket setup, however I have seen this setup with a gasket in the past

Pauliejr said:

Any tips to get this sitting better/properly. Doesn’t look to be any damage or bent flanges. I know it’s a ball and socket setup, however I have seen this setup with a gasket in the past

Click to expand...

Possibly a tolerance issue causing the leak. Sure its tighten down all the way?

I usually wipe the ball or flange with a thin coat of anti seize. No need to put so much it gets on the O2 sensors.
Next be sure you pull up the bolts evenly on each pipe and each side.
Do not tighten one side completely before getting the other side snugged up.
If you have some rough surface and think it will not mate sufficiently to seal, you might try some hi temp copper silicone. Again, just enough to get the job done.
Just use one or the other, anti seize or RTV.
The back of the H pipe needs to be supported while tightening.

railroad said:

I usually wipe the ball or flange with a thin coat of anti seize. No need to put so much it gets on the O2 sensors.
Next be sure you pull up the bolts evenly on each pipe and each side.
Do not tighten one side completely before getting the other side snugged up.
If you have some rough surface and think it will not mate sufficiently to seal, you might try some hi temp copper silicone. Again, just enough to get the job done.
Just use one or the other, anti seize or RTV.
The back of the H pipe needs to be supported while tightening.

Click to expand...

thanks for the info. I will give this a shot this week and see what I come up with as a result.

In reference to my added noise comment.

I assume it is the nature of an off road pipe to produce more engine noise throughout the exhaust pipes?

no exhaust noise, my engine noise I mean added volume under the car when listening close to the pipe. As if I can here the exhaust flowing through the pipe as well and hear the motor tick more than before.

and no I’m Not referring to a bad motor tick.

A couple quick coats of high temp engine paint works well too. Not supporting the tail, and not tightening the bolts evenly is an easy way to get a leak under load.