Exhaust header collector flange warped

[msbaugh]

I'm trying to figure out how to seal a leak on both collectors.  These are on some older hooker super comps with 3" collectors.  The exhaust has a 3 hole flange on the backside that  mates to the header collector with a gasket in between. The flange toward the rear is warped so bad that it won't seal. The problem is that I can't replace the flange without cutting the exhaust pipe off.  I'm tempted to just weld it all together but this doesn't seem right.  Is my only option to cut the pipe, and weld on a new section with a new 3 bolt flange?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Have any pictures?

[msbaugh]

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/pye-hvf10s?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-pypes-performance-exhaust&gclid=CIeW4-SCts8CFYllfgodi8gOFg

It's one of these flanges

[msbaugh]

Ok this is the type of flange.  I guess I have to cut off the pipe, measure, and weld one of these back on.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Spectre/865/4641/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710874329&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15769068431&CATCI=pla-193242953591&gclid=CKroqJKDts8CFQpnfgodYDAM4Q

[burdar]

Are you just using the gasket or are you trying any sealant with it? I've heard the copper rtv works quite good(well?) on those flanges. I'd try it. It might get you by for awhile.

[rUNCHARGER]

They get bent by hitting the road or curbs. If you can easily pull the exhaust pipe out of the car you can straighten it by holding it against a flat surface and using a fairly large hammer to hammer it straight. I just hold them against the garage floor and 1 or 2 shots with a hammer gets them straight.

Sheldon

[Topcat]

Are you just using the gasket or are you trying any sealant with it? I've heard the copper rtv works quite good(well?) on those flanges. I'd try it. It might get you by for awhile.

Years ago I had headers on the 340.
The flange was bent as yours

Straightened them best I could,
Used orange high temp RTV

Glued 2 gaskets together with it and sealed after any spots.
Worked.

[AussieMark]

If all else fails you could take it to a local exhaust shop and have new flanges welded on they should be able to do it without removing the pipe.

[msbaugh]

So I'm thinking that they've been bent due to scraping the ground like mentioned.  My driveway is very steep and it scrapes pulling out.  I'll need to grind and shorten the new flange somewhat to prevent that from happening again.

The problem I'm having is that my whole exhaust is welded, there's nothing I can unbolt to remove the flange I'm going to either have to cut and clamp or weld new pipe.  The other issue is I welded an O2 bung right behind that flange and it doesn't want to slide over.  This is turning into a lot of work!!

[burdar]

They make a ball type header flange that doesn't hang so low.  If you are going to redo it anyway, I'd have one of those installed.  You'll have to have the old flange cut off(pipe and header) then the new connection welded back on.

Something like this...
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-15938?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-flowmaster&gclid=CJyPi-mpt88CFQIpaQodGQcKHg

A good exhaust shop can make the same thing very easily.  I don't know if you have one near you or not.  Muffler shops seem to be a thing of the past since the OEM's went to stainless exhaust.

[brads70]

I have cut off the flange all together and used simple tabs and slipped on the pipe over the collector, no gaskets to blow out and helps with ground clearance....

[msbaugh]

I have cut off the flange all together and used simple tabs and slipped on the pipe over the collector, no gaskets to blow out and helps with ground clearance....

I'm not sure I understand?

[Cudakiller70]

I have cut off the flange all together and used simple tabs and slipped on the pipe over the collector, no gaskets to blow out and helps with ground clearance....

Do you have a picture?
Is it sealed?