Exhaust stepped band clamp

[Voice of Reason]

I'm fighting a leak at the slip fit joint on my exhaust between the ARH headers and the cats. I found this style of clamp online -

Has anyone ever used something like this with success? Unfortunately the joint is before it makes the 90* turn down the side sill so I can't just get it welded. Any other ideas other than this kind of clamp?

[Simms]

I've used one of those with success in the past. It's not a 100% given, but I would try it over the clamp you have now.

[Steve M]

I've used all types of clamps in the past on different applications, and the one shown was just as prone to leaking as any other. About the only thing you can really with a slip fit joint is slot the large pipe so it can shrink a bit when the clamp is tightened, or perhaps convert it to a v-band type clamp if you are willing to lose the ability to adjust the length of the assembly.

[Bugman Jeff]

I've used them with good success many times. To keep them leak free, I typically coat the joint in orange high temp silicone before I put the band clamp on.

[cayenne]

I've used them with good success many times. To keep them leak free, I typically coat the joint in orange high temp silicone before I put the band clamp on.

+1 on this. I've done this several times and it accounts for the expansion under heating. I just put a ring around the inside never had to glob it on as above. It may vary though based on the diameter of the pipe.

[7TH_SIGN]

I have used that same exact clamp. It will still leak. I used high temperature exhaust sealant like Jeff above which helped stop the leak from the clamp.

[Voice of Reason]

I have used that same exact clamp. It will still leak. I used high temperature exhaust sealant like Jeff above which helped stop the leak from the clamp.

I like the idea of this clamp plus the high temp silicone. The clamp should hold the silicone in place well enough to do its job.

Thanks!

[7TH_SIGN]

I like the idea of this clamp plus the high temp silicone. The clamp should hold the silicone in place well enough to do its job.

Thanks!

No problem. Here is a pic of where you add the sealant. Also make sure you use Permatex Ultra Copper Silocone. Its great stuff and holds up very well.

[Camfab]

No problem. Here is a pic of where you add the sealant. Also make sure you use Permatex Ultra Copper Silocone. Its great stuff and holds up very well.

That pic is exactly why you should V-band it. Do it right the first time and you won't be dealing with that mess, which by the way will fail with time.

[7TH_SIGN]

That pic is exactly why you should V-band it. Do it right the first time and you won't be dealing with that mess, which by the way will fail with time.

Yes V-Band would have been perfect. I ended up having it welded. It was a custom straight pipe I did on my GEN II. I would never use these clamps again.

[Camfab]

Yes V-Band would have been perfect. I ended up having it welded. It was a custom straight pipe I did on my GEN II. I would never use these clamps again.

I have to tell you I laughed when I saw your pic, because I remember using that same ultra copper over and over again and the cap would split in half just like yours! I'm happy to not have to go down that road.

[SADVIPER]

You have to inject high temperature compound in the clamp and consider tightening it from time to time.