I've got a full RB exhaust system on my GSL-SE. It's the single pipe system that uses the OEM mid-pipe. When I installed it, I used high-temp silicone on all gaskets just to ensure everything seals nicely and stays quiet.

The problem is that it sounds like there is a slight leak, but I cannot find a leak at any of the flanges (can't feel exhaust gases exiting at the flange). I think it might just be the exhaust pulsing in the header, but because it sounds exactly like an exhaust leak, I'm confused. Does anyone else have this exhaust system and has noticed this?

Thanks!

 

Any chance you still have the air pump hooked up? That could make the noise. I had a GSL with that set up years ago and it did not make any noise.

Adam

 

Are those gaskets supposed to be installed dry? I think they are. It's most likely to leak at the header flange where it bolts to the presilencer as that is the hotest part. You'd think the engine flange is the hottest but it's not. Remember you have the cooling system nearby.

 

I'd go back and double check your bolts on the header as well, they can have a tendancy to back thread themselves loose

 

Good idea. They don't actually unscrew themselves. What happens is the gasket relaxes a bit. So double check all fasteners.

 

High temp silicon could NOT withstand the 1800-2000F that your rotary's exhaust puts out. Those gaskets are meant to be installed dry (or one exhaust shop told me that you could soak it in water for a half hour before installation which would make the little white dots on the gasket expand before installation, though I don't know if that's a good idea).

In any case, your leak may be caused by the fact that you used silicon and now it has burned or melted away, leaving a gap for exhaust gas to escape.

If I were you, I'd just bite the bullet, buy a new set of gaskets and install them dry, or have a shop install them since they have impact wrenches and torches that you don't have, which would make it easier to remove the old gaskets and give a better seal on the new ones.

But that's just my opinion. You might get by just by tightening the hell out of it as it is now.

Jon

 

One more thing. Once a gasket is compromised, the white stuff between the metal pieces burns out and allows exhaust to leak. Best to install them dry and avoid the hassle.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I know the header gasket isn't leaking, but it's possible that one of the gaskets is leaking because I didn't use new ones when I installed the exhaust (bought it used). Then again, I can't feel any leaks around the joints. Any other thoughts?

 

Yeah, your exhaust is leaking and the above suggestions are sufficient.

 

I disagree with the above. I always add a dab of silicone on the exhaust gaskets to ensure that it doesnt leak particularly on the 13-B header which came with many styles. In fact, with my set-ups, I use a 12-A header gasket which is cut in half.

 

My header seems to be making the same noise, however no leaks were found, so I assume its just the pulses hitting the header. It's actually louder at the header than at the muffler. I've emailed Jim Langer at RB about this, but still waiting on a response.

 

i completely agree with installing the gaskets dry. its a must! however, if your header were a smidge loose for long periods of running time, it MAY have warped the flange bolting to the engine or the flange bolting to the presilencer. this is a long shot since its pretty difficult to warp a flange, but it does happen and its another avenue to check once you reinstall your gaskets dry if the problem is not corrected.

 

Did you check the torque on the nuts yet?

 

I also installed that system on my GSL-SE very recently and I also used a very high temp silicone gasket sealer on all my new gaskets. It is VERY quiet and definitely not leaking, I haven't retightened anything yet, either. It has only been on for slightly less than 1000 miles, though.