78 F150 460 4x4

On one of my exhaust manifolds where the y-pipe connects, there's a recess like the flared end of the y-pipe. In there, is a donut-like gasket about 1/2" thick with beveled edges.

On the other manifold, there's no recess, but a protrusion that fits inside the flared end of the y-pipe. This protrusion is part of the casting.

I know I can get the little donut gasket for the side with the recess, but what do I do for the other side? Is there a gasket available for that? If not, what can I use so I don't have a metal-to-metal connection?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Kevin K.

 

That metal to metal connection is actually a much better design. They are nearly always leak free and usually stay that way. Sandpaper, 3m pad, or wire brush both surfaces before cranking down the bolts and you should be fine. Be sure to retorque after running it up to regular operating temp.

 

Thanks!

I'll give it a shot.

Kevin K.

 

I found that the problem with mine is the flange that the bolts go through is old and rusted. The flange actually bends when I tighten it causing leaks on the sides.

Since it's a y-pipe with flared ends, I can't remove the flange withour cutting it or the pipe. If I cut the flange, I still couldn't get a new one on.

When I was at the parts store, I found some of those hinged flanges to do exactly what I need to do. I kinda have my doubts about them, but they can't be much worse that what I have now.

Anyone ever used these things? Are they crap?

Kevin K.

 

I see. I can't picture what a "hinged flange" would be? I would cut the pipe and install a new flange. Either weld it back up or use a U bolt.

 

I just checked and it's called a "split flange". I got one at Autozone for a few bucks.

It's made of several layers of steel plates instead of one solid piece and they're rivited together. One bolt hole is a hinge and the other comes apart so you can slide it around the pipe like a collar.

I tried to find a picture of it on the web but couldn't.

Kevin K.

 

I hate to say it, but my 351w has the same problem, right down to the rusted, bending flange (and the corresponding roar) and I was thinking along the same lines as you were......I wasn't sure if there was a gasket installed, evidently not accoring to kjkozack.
Let me know if the flange doohickey worked....

 

I didn't end up using the split flange. I chickened out when it came time to cut the flange off the y pipe. I used some large diameter thick washers with new studs & nuts on the exist. flanges. So far, it doesn't appear to be leaking.

Kevin K.