Header to Exhaust Pipe Flange Lubrication?

[Jeff10]

Hi,

I am getting ready to reassemble the exhaust system following installing the new transfer case.

When I disconnected the exhaust pipe from the header at the flange, it took a little twist to separate them.

Because the muffler and tailpipe are also attached, I won't be able to light up the exhaust pipe perfectly.

I'm wondering if it would be good practice to install a little anti-sieze or assembly lube on the flange before bolting it together... just to make sure it aligns properly.

I Googled this; but, nothing came of the search. (I also searched on this forum.)

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[u10072]

https://www.google.com/#q=high+temp+anti+seize

 

[73azbronco]

First, you really need to get them aligned enough that tightening them down is pretty easy. If your hoping to use the bolts to align the pipes, you may be in for bad news.

And, I don't think you need any anti seize on a flange.

 

[Jeff10]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

I wasn't as clear as I should have been in my first post.

I have anti-sieze, I just wasn't sure if it was recommended for the mating surfaces.

Also, I'm not trying to align the pipes with the bolts. I just want to be careful to get a good seal... I was thinking that metal-to-metal might not promote seating without a little help.

Thanks again.

Jeff

 

[DirtDonk]

There is some higher-temp anti-seize out there, but don't think it's THAT high-temp!
However, I'd never heard of "exhaust lube" until I started watching Wheeler Dealers and seen them use it several times to put two exhaust tubes together.

If your header flanges are the modern ball-type, you should not need anything theoretically. But maybe you can find some of that stuff they use if you need something to lube and seal the joint if it's damaged or something.

Paul

 

[Explorer]

Also, I'm not trying to align the pipes with the bolts. I just want to be careful to get a good seal... I was thinking that metal-to-metal might not promote seating without a little help.

Thanks again.

Jeff

Doesn't yours use gaskets to seal?

 

[Jeff10]

Hey,

Thanks for the replies.

As Paul asked, the actual connection between the header and the exhaust pipe is a ball-type... so there is no gasket.

(I need to have the exhaust pipe reworked to avoid interference with the Atlas... so I guess it's not really a valid concern at the moment. Always good to know for furure reference, though.)

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[badmuttstang]

There is some higher-temp anti-seize out there, but don't think it's THAT high-temp!
However, I'd never heard of "exhaust lube" until I started watching Wheeler Dealers and seen them use it several times to put two exhaust tubes together.

If your header flanges are the modern ball-type, you should not need anything theoretically. But maybe you can find some of that stuff they use if you need something to lube and seal the joint if it's damaged or something.

Paul

Im with you never saw it until watching wheeler dealer not even sure what that stuff is. If you have ball style joints a little copper rtv will help a lot of mustang guys use it on their exhaust systems I know I did.

 

[DirtDonk]

I have anti-sieze, I just wasn't sure if it was recommended for the mating surfaces.

Normally not a typical application, but anti-seize by it's very name is for use wherever you don't want two materials to decide to get married. Permanently.
Also as a lubricant when torquing bolts. Also to seal out moisture to avoid rust even on similar metals.
So yeah, it's not a problem using it on two mating surfaces. Just not a typical application for exhaust mating surfaces. At least not that I'm aware of. Not that there aren't a million and one people out there using things in places I'd never have thought of.

Also, I'm not trying to align the pipes with the bolts. I just want to be careful to get a good seal... I was thinking that metal-to-metal might not promote seating without a little help.

Not to worry unless the surfaces are damaged. Literally (almost?) every modern vehicle made uses metal on metal exhaust sealing. Every stock Ford steel fabbed header (like on the older Mustangs) or cast manifold (look at an Explorer manifold sometime) use a ball-flange type mating surface with no gasket and no sealant that I'm aware of.
Maybe they put a thin layer of something on there on the assembly line that doesn't leave much residue to be detected later? But judging by the rusted flanges, I'd have to say that they don't put it on every car and truck.

Doesn't yours use gaskets to seal?

Just like the ball-flange mating surfaces, even your original stock EB V8 exhaust manifold did not likely come with a gasket. The exhaust port and manifold mating flanges were thick and flat from the factory, and didn't need gaskets to seal.
That's not to say that gaskets were never used. But I've never seen a gasket on a Bronco's exhaust that I knew for a fact was from the factory. Usually when I saw a gasket, it had been put in by the owner or a previous owner.

Paul