Exhaust Leak Question

[EnglishSteve]

I have a GHL exhaust on my 01 996 C2. I think there is a small leak around where the exhaust joins on to the cat outlet pipes.

The symptoms are as follows:

When cold starting, and there is condensation coming out of the tailpipes, there is also condensation seeping out of the join.

It is also much louder when cold, and it gets quieter as the exhaust warms up - I assume because the pipes expand with the heat and make a better seal.

The advice I'm looking for is - what's the best way to fix this problem? I have checked the bolts on the connections and they are as tight as I can get them. Is there anything I can put in the joints to make them seal better?

Any ideas?

Steve in AZ

[KarlS]

You might want to try new clamps. I seem to recall a similar issue when I installed an aftermarket exhaust on my 996. I replaced the clamps with new ones and the problem went away. If I remember correctly, the new clamps didn't cost much.

Karl

[jimmyq]

You might try tightening the clamps when they are HOT. Be carefull doing this so you don't get fried, but it might properly seal the flanges so they don't leak.

[EnglishSteve]

You might want to try new clamps. I seem to recall a similar issue when I installed an aftermarket exhaust on my 996. I replaced the clamps with new ones and the problem went away. If I remember correctly, the new clamps didn't cost much.

Karl

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Were the new clamps just generic ones, or specific Porsche ones?

[EnglishSteve]

You might try tightening the clamps when they are HOT.  Be carefull doing this so you don't get fried, but it might properly seal the flanges so they don't leak.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, I'll try that. Somebody else suggested the same thing to me yesterday at work, but unfortunately it was raining so hard on the way home from work yesterday that the exhaust was almost stone cold when I got home.

Here's hoping for warm dry weather today :)

Steve in AZ

[Loren]

You might want to try new clamps. I seem to recall a similar issue when I installed an aftermarket exhaust on my 996. I replaced the clamps with new ones and the problem went away. If I remember correctly, the new clamps didn't cost much.

Karl

Were the new clamps just generic ones, or specific Porsche ones?

I doubt you can get the cat clamping sleeves anywhere but Porsche. My parts list shows them at about $30 each (996 111 220 01).

[EnglishSteve]

I doubt you can get the cat clamping sleeves anywhere but Porsche. My parts list shows them at about $30 each (996 111 220 01).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Loren.

Since I live close to GHL, they are stepping up to the plate and are going to take a look at it next week.

Steve in AZ