Exhaust joint leaks - weld or better clamps?

[rockbender]

I had the fortune of putting my E350 up on a lift to change the oil recently and notice a few leaks in my exhaust joints (pre-turbo). I didn't have much time to screw with it then, but did loosen a clamp or two and re-tightened them after rotating them slightly. The leaks were reduced but they are not yet non-existent.

Is it better to keep the serviceability of clamps (or perhaps use bands to help with the seal?) and just make sure that the joints are all good, or should I see about taking it to an exhaust shop and getting these joints welded up? One of the joints is awfully close to the tranny, but I think welding would still be possible. I may just start by replacing the clamps with new ones that have a bit of lube on the threads so I can get them to torque down well.

Your thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Dave7.3]

I was in your position not too long ago. I had a leaky up pipe joint that the exhaust shop tried every clamp and sealant known to man to fix. After fiddling with the stupid leak for almost a year, I finally just told them to weld the blasted thing. No more leaks and my manifold pressure is back.

Save yourself the headache and just have it welded, I say! Less time fiddling with clamps and more time on the road.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

Stainless band-clamps are the way to go.

They will not distort the tubing like plain old U-bolt clamps.

The wide stainless band will conform to the two sections of the joint and seal things up nicely.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

I will add that, if one will clean, de-burr, and coat exhaust joints generously with anti-sieze, prior to assembly, and ALWAYS use stainless band-clamps, future dis-assembly is almost easy.

No so easy after the tubing has been squished out of shape by U-bolt type clamps.

 

[RLDSL]

I second the band clamps. If installed properly, you will get a nice tight leak free joint, and unlike ubolts, you can disassemble the joint without without a lot of fuss. I prefer the pre formed ones personally. The flat ones can pinch a bit too tight sometimes

 

[gunz]

Throw the clamps in the trash. I have never seen one that doesnt leak. I would use flanges with gaskets before I would screw with a clamp. Weld everything you can, and use flanged where you need to service the exhaust.

 

[rockbender]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll get some pricing to have some of the joints welded and then crawl underneath this weekend and see if I can't make a game plan.

 

[rockbender]

Why did I even question what to do?! I stopped in at a nice local exhaust shop last week and while they said they were booked in the morning they could check it out if I came back later in the afternoon. Being the week before Christmas work was slow and I had the time to check back in without a problem. After putting it up on the rack, they asked if I wanted the work done or if I was just looking for a quote... long story short, they welded up up four joints for me for $20. I could have spent that much in clamps along with a few hours of my time and probably still have leaks! If I ever have to service anything I'll just make a cut and have it welded back up later (these folks certainly have my business) - nothing I anticipate anytime soon.

I haven't had much time to run the rig since this has been done, but it certainly feels like the turbo is spooling better (these were all up pipe fixes). Good stuff!