Triumph Repair: Exhaust leak, exhaust pipe expander, spitfire mkiv

Question
Howard, I just replaced the exhaust pipe and muffler on my 72 Spitfire MKIV.  The joint where the muffler pipe attaches to the exhaust pipe has a significant leak.  I've tried to push/hammer the muffler onto the exhaust pipe as far as possible and then tightened the U-bolt clamp at that joint as tight as I can get it and it still leaks.  Is there a gasket or compound I could use in that joint to stop the leak?

Answer
Hi Dan,

The pipes must be damaged or bent for them to leak. But when they are damaged it is difficult to get both clean and round again unless you take both off of the car and work on them. Most auto parts stores do have a exhaust pipe sealer that comes in a tube. I have removed pipes and put it on to seal up a damaged pipe but it hardens and then is very difficult to separate later if you need to remove them. I prefer to remove both and I use a large socket as a dolly and a light hammer to straighten out the pipes so they fit better. Sometimes you need a exhaust pipe expander tool to help get them right. Any of the tool trucks have them or some auto parts stores have them or will order one for you, just give them the size of the pipe. Harbor Freight has a set but you may have to fix them with a better nut as they are very cheap but if you are not going to do a lot of pipes they are ok.

Howard