crossover pipe clearance
 

Hi, when I bolted in the cross over pipes for my truck flathead the clearance to the oilpan was so close that the 1 and 3/4 inch pipe clamp couldn't be put into place. At first I thought I would just pickup a band clamp to minimize any exhaust leakage at the slip joint. However I can't find any band clamps smaller than 2 inches. If someone knows of a simple fix please weigh in. The muffler shops all want to cut the two crossover pipes and weld in a new center section with plenty of clearance to oil pan to keep heat transfer to oilpan down and put the welds in a more accessible area if they ever have to be cut. I was thinking that even small spacers bolted at each exhaust manifold outlet would give plenty of clearance at the oilpan. Was there any engines with the same size exhaust that used heat risers that I could gut and use as spacers? Any other ideas for simple spacers would also be appreciated. Thanks, Bergie.

Re: crossover pipe clearance
 

bergie>>>I was thinking that even small spacers bolted at each exhaust manifold outlet would give plenty of clearance at the oilpan.>>>

Sounds like a plan to me. How about multiple exhaust gaskets for spacers? They're cheap enough and should seal OK when snugged up.

Jack E/NJ

Re: crossover pipe clearance
 

Thanks for your reply. I thought the same thing, but two different, experienced, muffler specialists said that even using very good gaskets would likely result in leaks if multiple gaskets are stacked.

Re: crossover pipe clearance
 

Ah, as an indifferent inexperienced muffler specialist, I recommended red permatiex RTV smeared on the gasket surfaces as a precaution. Works fine.

Jack E/NJ