on a similar note, is there a way to seal the exhaust manifold leak/downpipe w/o changing those donut gasket rings?
I put in new rings & it's still leaking. Is there some sort of gasket i can wrap around the seal outside (w/ hose clamp) that would work well at high temp (700c?) & high pulses?
Interesting & timely question.
I've been working with a local machine shop on a repair on my second vehicle, an old Mazda turbo. it's actually more of a performance shop, and they cater to high end high output applications, not that my old Mazda is such a vehicle
I've been working over the years on all my projects with the guy who runs the place. he's given me loads of great advice over the years, and recently, I had a similar question as you about an exhaust problem. the short of it is that I needed an exhaust gasket/heat shield that I didn't want to chase the dealer for, since parts are 1.) getting scarce for this vehicle, and 2.) expensive. he says they don't even use exhaust gaskets sometimes on their shop race car, but instead just machine the mating surfaces smooth, and apply COPPER anti seize. similar to the aluminum stuff readily available in almost any parts store, but the copper stands up better to the higher temperatures. apparently the exhaust components get so hot that they can simply melt away the aluminum in the anti seize. the paste will burn off, but the copper remains and seals well. similar to people spraying their head gaskets with copper coat, only the copper anti seize can fill in better, apparently, since you can build it up and squish it instead of having to spray it.
anyway, when I rebuild in a few days, I'll be coating all exhaust mating surfaces and gaskets with the copper anti seize. I bet it'll work well for what you need, too. worth a shot, but then again, if you're going to the bother of finding and buying copper anti seize, you might as well just order new donut gaskets. I'd still seal 'em with copper though
