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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Exhaust leak at the h-pipe/header flange

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rebel79
  • Start date Start date Feb 25, 2010
R

Rebel79

Founding Member
Sep 26, 1999
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Pleasant Hill, CA
Feb 25, 2010
#1
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #1
I have a 97 Saleen S-351 that came with off-road exhaust. I am having to put the stock h-pipe on for a while, and I am having some major problems with the passenger header flange.

I know Mustangs, especially SN95s, have exhaust leak issues at the passenger header flange. I have done anything and everything to resolve the exhaust leak, but it doesn't go away. The leak is REALLY bad, and renders the car undriveable. Any ideas? Is there anything I can do to ensure a good seat between the header and h-pipe flange?
 
R

Rebel79

Founding Member
Sep 26, 1999
3,581
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0
Pleasant Hill, CA
Feb 25, 2010
#2
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #2
Why was this moved to a 4.6 forum, when the car/chassis/motor are all based on the 94-95 5.0?!? The h-pipe/header problem is primarily found on 94-95 mustangs, as the header flange was changed out to a flat gasket after '96.
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
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Sea of Tranquility
Feb 25, 2010
#3
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #3
Because it is a 97 someone figures it should be 4.6. If the swap is temporary maybe use some high temp RTV to get a good seal? I did that with my 96 with the flat flange. I assume your flange is the bell type?
 
R

Rebel79

Founding Member
Sep 26, 1999
3,581
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0
Pleasant Hill, CA
Feb 25, 2010
#4
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #4
Yeah its the bell flange. Now I am not so sure it is coming from the flange... the leak seems to be coming around the header. I have Stage 8 locking header bolts, all of which are tight.
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
8,474
1,463
223
Sea of Tranquility
Feb 26, 2010
#5
  • Feb 26, 2010
  • #5
Hmmm...maybe a crack? If it is loud though you'd probably see it. Sounds like you may have to pull the header.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Feb 27, 2010
#6
  • Feb 27, 2010
  • #6
If you don't have access to a smoke machine, a little seafoam in a manifold vac line can help you find the leak.
 

RIO5.0

15 Year Member
Feb 16, 2001
6,892
8
128
N.H.
Feb 27, 2010
#7
  • Feb 27, 2010
  • #7
Is it leaking where the EGR tube connects or the tube itself cracked??

With those bolts you have plenty of lenght. double up on the gasket, thats how I run mine as I was getting some noise too...double Fel-Pro 1415 I believe.
 
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