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cat converter flange problems


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This is the second direct-fit converter I've had the same problem with, and I'm just curious if anyone else has. The front flange (where it bolts to the intermediate pipe) on both of them weren't welded....the flange slid along the pipe, but the end of the pipe had a small flare on it, about 3/8" that sandwiches between the two flanges and the gasket. Both converters, the flared end of the pipe cracked off. The first one cracked completely off the whole way around, and the one now has chunked off about 1/3 of it, causing a leak :mad: I'm cutting off the offending part, and bolting this kit onto it, which has a WELDED flange so I can get it inspected next week:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... mber=30173

 

If anyone has the same problem, that kit is a Maremont product, and it's an installation kit for a universal cat converter. Part # is 30173.....that webpage is off the Advanced Auto site (PartsAmerica), and it's internet order only. I tried having the local AA order it for me yesterday (to save the shipping cost) but the counter driod said they couldn't order it, I had to, but I could have it shipped to the store and pick it up there :nuts: I walked out, drove over to Auto Zone, got it ordered (no shipping) for $21.99......$10 less than Advanced :roll:

 

Jeff

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I'm already pimping the JB on the front of the manifold flange up on the engine....the rear stud is snapped off, and the end of it doesn't quite seal 100%. Smear a bunch of JB into it and it does, tho :D

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Picked up the "kit" after work today....will be breaking out the sawzall in the morning :evil: to install. I'll post some pics.

 

Jeff

 

(s'posed to be about 24 degrees here tomorrow...it's gonna be a quick repair job in the driveway :D )

 

Jeff

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Well, it's fixed for now....

 

Here’s what you get for your $21:

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Old flange:

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Cut out (see the broken flared part?) :cry:

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New stuff clamped in :cheers:

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I just clamped it with some heavy duty clamps for now (the cheezy made-in-China ones that come with the kit are in the trash), because I’m adding a glasspack to it soon, and I’ll have to reroute the exhaust from the hanger back to make up for the factory offset outlet on the muffler. Once I get it set up, I'll get it all welded together.

 

Jeff

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I didn't even know that there was a kit. I went to the parts store and they had a book of flanges thicker than my (insert misc. body part here). I took my measurements (upgraded to 2 1/2 pipe) and flipped thru book and found one for under 5 bux. 2 and change for the gasket, I had a piece of pipe under the bench, welded it up, done!!

 

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I like band clamps for ease of replacing parts.

 

Magnaflow high flow cat $40 bux @ swap meet

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into Camaro style knock off flowmaster muff.

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That kit would have deff saved me a lot of time and hassle

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Those band clamps are pretty nifty looking........I bet they don't put a crimp in the tubing, huh? I clamped mine down just enough to prevent leaks and get a sticker put on it tomorrow (hopefully). It's all coming back apart soon enough :D

 

Glad to see I'm not the only one who had a broken flange/flare!

 

Jeff

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Ya them clamps is awesome for taking $#!& apart. I hate exhaust work so I wanted it to be easy next time!!

By chance, did you happen to have the high flow cat installed at a different time than the muff?

I did the whole exhaust at once (well within a few weeks). I did have the cat on without any exhaust after it while I was rebuilding the truck, and I couldn't tell the difference between with it or just a straight head pipe. Even with the muffler the truck really isn't any louder than most V8's

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"One time, at band clamp, I......"

 

(sorry, that was dumb :D )

 

Where can I get some of those in the 2 1/4" flavor? I tried the NAPA and Advanced Auto websites and they don't list those types of clamps. Got a source/part #?

Thanks!

Jeff

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Thanks Pete...those are definately in my future.

 

The garage just called....everything on the MJ passed except a burned out taillight. Funny, I checked all the lights in the driveway this morning (while it was still dark out) and they all worked :nuts:

 

I'm about done giving this place my business, after they failed my Escort a couple months ago for "rotted floorboards". There was a QUARTER sized rust hole under the driver seat. Fixed it with a piece of scrap sheetmetal I had, and a shot of undercoating.

 

They're just looking for something (nitpicking) to make $$$ on. I asked them go give me the old bulb, FWIW..they'll probably grab a blown one from the garbage and hand it to me :mad:

 

Jeff

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We got a 5th Ave. safetied @ the local Canadian tire once, just cause we needed it right now. They were really notorious for doin $#!& you didn't ask for, so the old man made it real clear that it was papers only no wrench work. They called that afternoon couldn't pass it cause the headlights were slightly out of adjustment. :nuts: Took a screwdriver when he went to pick it up. :roll:

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