Water leak at band clamp on new exhaust system

[ScarfaceT4R]

Hey there,

After installing my new MBRP exhaust system I pulled out of the garage and noticed a couple of little puddles. Turns out the drips were coming from the band clamps that attach the muffler to the tubing. The clamps were torqued to spec and everything with the install went flawlessly. After doing some research I found these awesome band clamps from Summit Racing (also torqued to spec) and they still leak water!!

I'm worried that if they leak water then they #1 are going to rust prematurely (I can already spot some under the first set of band clamps that I replaced), & #2 are going to leak exhaust...which is prob no bueno as well.

I know when i drive long enough the heat will cause the pipes to expand and hopefully stop any possible exhaust leak, plus burn up the water...but is this concerning at all?! Does this call for a trip to the exhaust shop to weld it air tight? Lind of liked the idea of being able to easily swap out the muffler if needed...

Thanks in advance for your input!!

Click here for leak video on YouTube

 

[Friggin Idiot]

I had tried using those same style clamps on my URD exhaust when it was leaking. They would hold nicely for a week or two, then I'd have issues. Problem is the band clamp is so thin that it stretches with repeated hot/cold cycles. Your muffler isn't as big as the one on the URD kit so you may not have the weight sag issues I had at the rear muffler clamp (hanger on pipe couldn't support muffler), but these clamps certainly weren't up for the job. I ended up having a shop weld the muffler in place for me.

 

[ScarfaceT4R]

I had tried using those same style clamps on my URD exhaust when it was leaking. They would hold nicely for a week or two, then I'd have issues. Problem is the band clamp is so thin that it stretches with repeated hot/cold cycles. Your muffler isn't as big as the one on the URD kit so you may not have the weight sag issues I had at the rear muffler clamp (hanger on pipe couldn't support muffler), but these clamps certainly weren't up for the job. I ended up having a shop weld the muffler in place for me.

Yea this exhaust is definitely way more light weight than the OEM system. I actually really like everything about it so far except for this pesky leak. I dont know if it's just annoying or bad for other reasons. Definitely never had a drip issue on any other vehicles exhaust setups. Thinking welding it solid may be my only hope.

 

[ScarfaceT4R]

Screw clamps...getting this sealed right