Problem: Got a exhaust leak right in front of the cat. Purchased a new exhaust gasket, but no luck. Still leak at the bottom of the pipe. Where the two end meet. Anybody got a suggestion what I could do to fix the leak?

Any help would be great.

P.S. At the present time I need to keep the cat on the car. I can't remove it yet.

 

Something is probably bent or you have holes because of rust.

 

a muffler shop should be able to do some repairs to it to keep it functional. But I bet you're rusting through really bad down the whole thing and are in need of almost complete replacement. most stock exhausts from our cars are going to be pretty bad now-a-days being the age of the vehicle.

-K

 

how new is the cat?

i am on my 4th gasket.. they match up and seat perfectly.. im 99% sure my cat is clogged, and its all the backpressure blowing the gasket apart..

 

I believe it's missing the hanger that's just in front of the cat. That could be the problem. Since the hanger is missing it is more than likely putting to much stress on the joint.

 

very likely... probably cracked at the stress point.

 

from what I can tell....the to joints don't seal the new gasket. There is small gap between the gasket.

Anyboy else have an idea how to fix?

thanks

 

Is there a wrong or right way to put install a new gasket. I'm replacing the one in front of the cat?

 

Sometimes you can use two gaskets, I use to do that when I would keep blowing a header gasket on my old Camaro...The 2 worked well.
I forgot the name of it, but a small tube of some stuff is made for high temps and gets as hard a steel, that might also work in your situation. On the other hand, as was mentioned, maybe the cat is getting clogged? It might need to be smashed through? Good luck/skill!