Sealing ball and socket connection

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Tomioka

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What do I use to seal a non gasketed ball and socket exhaust connection? I'm getting some condensation drippage from the exhaust intermediate connection (between y-pipe and muffler) which is telling me there is an exhaust leak. I've tried copper rtv and those exhaust patch repair in-a-tube where the ball interfaces with the socket and it hasn't been working.
 
That joint is either distorted in some way from over tightening or there is a leak. If it just drips and there is no noise, I would not worry about it.
 
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Don't they use a soft sintered iron for the ball? That's worn out on your car.
 
Originally Posted By: Lubener
That joint is either distorted in some way from over tightening or there is a leak. If it just drips and there is no noise, I would not worry about it.


+1
 
Another exhaust sealant that works well is Taber's Flo-Ex. It's runny when wet, but expands as it dries to a hard, crystalline like texture. Doesn't melt or burn.
 
Originally Posted By: Kibitoshin
What do I use to seal a non gasketed ball and socket exhaust connection? I'm getting some condensation drippage from the exhaust intermediate connection (between y-pipe and muffler) which is telling me there is an exhaust leak. I've tried copper rtv and those exhaust patch repair in-a-tube where the ball interfaces with the socket and it hasn't been working.


As mentioned above, if you don't have an annoying sounding leak, don't worry about it. Those ball and socket connections really are not precisely made. Close inspection of new ones will lead you to believe that they'd never seal... Yet they work quite well.

If it has to accommodate some motion, the seal will likely get better over time, as the parts wear together.

Leaking water is rather normal from exhaust systems, and many mufflers have a small hole at the bottom to prevent accumulation.
 
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