Hello Everyone! I have a '71 Maverick with a 200 engine. I was getting an exhaust smell inside, so I decided to replace the flange ring gasket connecting the exhaust manifold to the e-pipe. I made sure to soak the threads so that the nuts would come off easily, which they did. I replaced the gasket and tightened the nuts to what I thought was a sufficient amount, and it seemed that the exhaust smell was gone (or at least significantly reduced), and the engine sound was a little more muffled--this was all months ago. Recently, I was under the car to carefully tighten the tranny pan bolts--they were all a bit loose, causing a very slow drip. I decided to feel the e-pipe to see if there were any holes in the pipe--none found. But while feeling the pipe, I decided to give it a slight tug, and the pipe, moved a little, I could see the pivot point was up at the flange. Is there supposed to be some movement at this connection? I tried to tighten it, but it seemed secured, and I didn't want to over-torque it for fear of snapping the 40+ year old bolts on the manifold. Any thoughts? Thank you!
I have seen some bolts that have a shoulder so once tight that is it. There could be a little looseness. And maybe, depending on the manufacture of the gasket, it could be a tad small.
Mine comes loose ALL the time. Sometimes it will be fine for months and others just days. I installed new studs nuts and lock washers. If that doesnt work I am installing a second nut to lock it in place. Good luck...
Thank you Doncomfort and Blugene! Looks like I'll just have to live with this until the day comes when I can do an overhaul. It's always a bit scary to tighten these old nuts and bolts.
It is possible that the nut has bottomed out on the threads of the stud and the pipe is till loose. If this is the case, then you need to remove the nuts and add washers, or some type of spacer, to take up the slack.
