Please advise...
If I only have 3 bolts holding my HKS downpipe on, will I have problems? The 4th bolt popped. I will soon have it tac welded and replaced? Any suggestions?

 

I once had 3 screws on my intercooler elbow leading to my TB, and it did vent air. However, I tightened them and I was no longer venting any (at least as I could tell by ear). You may or may not have a leak depending on how well your remaining screws are on, but it's best to have the 4 screws on there. If you are leaking bad, you should be able to hear it.

 

3 bolts won't seal it completely. It will leak. Get it fixed as soon as you can.

 

Yup Adams right. You will be leaking.

It's gonna be LOUD.

 

Is there anything he can use to make a gasket (that wouldn't break down because of the heat) in the meantime? Like, if he made something to put in between the DP and the manifold that, when the three bolts are tightened, would seal off the space? Just an idea to hold him until he can get it fixed for good.

 

Is there anything he can use to make a gasket (that wouldn't break down because of the heat) in the meantime? Like, if he made something to put in between the DP and the manifold that, when the three bolts are tightened, would seal off the space? Just an idea to hold him until he can get it fixed for good.

 

yeah, you can buy gasket maker. It comes as a paste in a toothpaste type tube. i forgot who makes it but i think you should be able to find it at pep boys or something.

 

Mine is only being held by three right now also. No big deal. It is loud and exhaust does leak. I have to keep the vents in recirculation mode, otherwise I get exhaust into the cabin.

I'm just gonna have it fixed when my new motor goes in.

 

If that is the case, then I wouldnt worry about only having 3 bolts thread starter.

 

I wouldn't replace the gasket with something else. Then you wind up taking the downpipe off twice. If you drive it much, you will probably ruin the gasket. I don't know if you were going to replace it anyway, but they are not cheap.

 

If I want to totally replace the bolt that broke, what is the easiest way?

or is their even an easy way?

 

Where did it break? How much, if any, is sticking out when you remove the downpipe?

 

I ran with 3 bolts holding my DP on for over a year and 15k miles before I was able to find a bolt that I could get on it. I never had an exhaust leak or excess noise. The stock exhaust gasket never blew out either. I am not saying you should just keep it with 3 bolts forever, but you arent going to hurt anything as long as the 3 bolts are securely on there.

 

Only expensive gaskets I have found were the ones between the turbos and exhaust manifold, something like $110 for the two of them! All the rest of the exhaust gaskets are cheap (block to manifold, downpipe to turbos, downpipe to cat, cat to catback).

 

Mine has 3 bolts too! With stock exhaust it's not loud at all.

 

My mechanic thinks he can tack weld the bolt to the stud and get it out to replace it? I am leaking exhaust and it smells inside. What type of gasket do I need to go between the turbos and downpipe? Is it really that expensive?

 

Call your local mazda dealer, or www.mazdaformance.com

 

i'm currently on 3 bolts....i have an apex exhaust and intake......no loud noise and no trace of leak, but i'm still going to fix it when i have time....

 

I just ordered a new gasket and 4 studs and nuts. So, It looks like I will just replace it al and hope it goes smooth... any suggestions?