SSV1 exhaust leak

[x Spades x]

Hey Fellas,

I'm struggling with an exhaust leak at the header sec 1 connection. I have the SSV1 headers wuth the matching Sec 1 (HFC) and I'm tightening the hex bolts to the point of loud metal noise upon every turn. Now the flanges aren't tightened to the point of touching, but the loud metal noise freaks me out.

Any suggestions?

[Cubieman]

Use a bit of exhaust paste to fill in the gap? I used some, it sucks to get off but will definitely come off with some light sanding.

[x Spades x]

Use a bit of exhaust paste to fill in the gap? I used some, it sucks to get off but will definitely come off with some light sanding.

I picked up some ultra copper permatex paste. Took of the sec 1 and applied a thick layer on the headers. Installed and idle for 30 min. Still leaking, 😞

[Cubieman]

I picked up some ultra copper permatex paste. Took of the sec 1 and applied a thick layer on the headers. Installed and idle for 30 min. Still leaking, 😞

If its still leaking even with paste on the headers maybe there's a crack or something elsegoing on. I would very closely investigate the area where it leaks.
Did you let the permatex dry completely?

[Rudbari]

I have same issue and did everything but still leaking

[x Spades x]

If its still leaking even with paste on the headers maybe there's a crack or something elsegoing on. I would very closely investigate the area where it leaks.
Did you let the permatex dry completely?

Yeah dried completely. I applied and installed with 10 min. Then started car abd let idle for 30 min, before driving off. I let sit for 24 hours before driving again... same issue

[Bry5on]

Same here, tried the paste, still leaking. Hate this exhaust joint

[bmwfnatic]

Same here, tried the paste, still leaking. Hate this exhaust joint

I have a full SS system on my E39 as well, every single joint leaks a bit, oh well.

[PSUEng]

I'm trying to follow here so I apologize for taking the thread back a few steps: You have a leak at the slip joint connection between the header and section 1? And in this thread alone, a total of 4 people have a leak here? Dang, I guess I need to go check mine... Am I understanding this correctly?

[Bry5on]

I'm trying to follow here so I apologize for taking the thread back a few steps: You have a leak at the slip joint connection between the header and section 1? And in this thread alone, a total of 4 people have a leak here? Dang, I guess I need to go check mine... Am I understanding this correctly?

Yeah, guaranteed you have a leak. It should look a little sooty right next to the bolts

[0-60motorsports]

i'll check mine as well one day and report back.

[heinzboehmer]

I haven't looked closely at mine, but it definitely smells like I have a leak there.

Not only does this joint not seal well, it's also incredibly annoying to take apart. Really don't like the design of it.

[CrisSilberGrau]

Mine used to leak, showed with soot there. I just retightened the slip on joint.

Should also be noted that the sec 1 fully slips on to the limit on to the header. I did this unknowingly at the time. I thought this was the way it was supposed to be. Having done this I think a few things happened:

1. You get more real estate to clamp the sec 1 to the header, less chance of leaks (maybe)
2. Maybe alleviate sec 2 rubbing where the heat shield is (think: sec2 is more forward). The clearance is tight however there is no marring on the OEM transferred heat shield.
3. SCZA muffler sits right against the heat shield, zero room.

There have been no leaks since the retightening. With all this talk about Supersprint, im not looking forward to taking the exhaust off and tackling the F8x driveshaft mod in the spring.

[AWE46M3]

...SCZA muffler sits right against the heat shield, zero room.

I have the Oakville Scorza and am dealing with the same issue.

Initially, I considered drilling out the rivets on the heat shield and removing the lower section that's in contact with the exhaust. However, the activated charcoal plastic housing has nothing behind the heat shield, leaving a gaping hole that would expose the system to direct heat from Section 3.

My new plan is to slot the bolt holes and shift the activated charcoal plastic housing 1/4" towards the front of the car. If isn't feasible for whatever reason, I’ll trim the heat shield and attempt to tuck it into the plastic housing rather than leaving it on the outside as it is now.

I love this Section 3, but the rattling is driving me nuts. It seems to be a common problem with the SCZA/Scorza Section 3s.



(Picture below is for demonstration purposes - not my car or section 3 - just a pic of a section 3 touching the heat shield)

[x Spades x]

Mine used to leak, showed with soot there. I just retightened the slip on joint.

Should also be noted that the sec 1 fully slips on to the limit on to the header. I did this unknowingly at the time. I thought this was the way it was supposed to be. Having done this I think a few things happened:

1. You get more real estate to clamp the sec 1 to the header, less chance of leaks (maybe)
2. Maybe alleviate sec 2 rubbing where the heat shield is (think: sec2 is more forward). The clearance is tight however there is no marring on the OEM transferred heat shield.
3. SCZA muffler sits right against the heat shield, zero room.

There have been no leaks since the retightening. With all this talk about Supersprint, im not looking forward to taking the exhaust off and tackling the F8x driveshaft mod in the spring.

If I get this sealed, I'm not even doing that mod. I'll just sell the shaft I have and say f it