Exhaust Install....RTV seal or not?

[feds27]

I did a number of searches and it looks like people are split between using RTV Copper when assembling a new exhaust. Some say it's easier to disassemble for cleaning without the RTV so try without and then add if necessary. Some say RTV to avoid leaks/pops.

I have replacement gaskets so I wasn't planning on using RTV on the header to y-pipe connection but's the concensus on using a thin coating of RTV on the back pipe joints? I'm planning on installing a Laser BC2.

Two other things, I'm planning on using Anti-sieze on the allen bolts connecting the header to y-pipe, and Loctite Blue on the bracket bolts for the exhaust can holder. Is this ok too? Thanks.

[roger albert]

try w/o

the rest of your plan is sound

[BMW Atlanta]

Yes on the anti-sieze for the hardware/clamps and very careful application on the 02 sensor.

No on the RTV for the slip joints, there will be minor amounts carbon leaking and it will eventually seal itself. Also the plumbing will need to settle down and that process will be hindered by RTV sealant.

Haven't bothered with locktite on the hanger hardware, but a lil blue locktite wouldn't hurt.

[feds27]

I had a feeling that if left without the RTV the carbon might built-up inside and help seal the joints.

Regarding the O2 sensor, I saw a post recommending removing the tank cover and cutting the two plastic ties before loosening the wire and removing the sensor. I'll follow Bobby's recommendation and use very little anti-sieze.

Thanks guys.

[BobP63]

I just installed a BC-1 exhaust and chip, I used anti-seize on the collector flange bolt treads as well as the O2 sensor treads. I didn't apply RTV to the slip fitting; however I'm experiencing a condensation water leak at the junction between the cans to the collector pipe. I don't feel an exhaust leak anywhere around the clamp and repositioning the clamp has not helped. Obviously the condensation leak stops once the engine is warmed, so I'm hoping the joint will eventually seal itself. If the leak persists after a few hundred miles I may remove the clamp and apply some RTV externally to the splits along the can fitting and reinstall the clamp while the RTV is still wet. Has anyone else experienced a condensation leak?

[repoe3]

sheesh, 40k miles on the S with a laser boxercup race system and it never sealed. i have even taken it apart, cleaned it up, and reinstalled it with some sealant and it eventually burned it away and i have fairly large carbon spots right at each slip joint. at this point i am thinking about doing the uninstall, cleaning and welding to seal it :P

repoe3

[BobP63]

Originally posted by repoe3
sheesh, 40k miles on the S with a laser boxercup race system and it never sealed. i have even taken it apart, cleaned it up, and reinstalled it with some sealant and it eventually burned it away and i have fairly large carbon spots right at each slip joint. at this point i am thinking about doing the uninstall, cleaning and welding to seal it :P

repoe3

Since you mention multiple slip joints I’ll presume your speaking of the BC-2 system, if I'm having trouble with a single slip joint and clamp I can imagine your difficulty.

It looks as if the stock exhaust clamp adjustment is mechanically bottoming out before applying enough clamping pressure. Does anyone know of a quality aftermarket circumferential clamp that provides better sealing?

[MaineRoads]

Just found one yesterday. I was warming up the R12S for a quick ride before the impending snowstorm. I noticed some water on the garage floor and found it coming from the union of the header and the muffler downpipe (stock system). I also noticed a slight exhaust leak there, only visible because of the cold. Couldn't find any movement in the system and the bikes running fine.

[boxercup]

Greetings,

Here are some suggestions to answer your questions.

NO RTV!!!!!

Anti sieze OK

Blue Loctite OK

Condensate:

Condensate is a by product of the combustion process. It is an acidic, aqueous solution that condenses from the exhaust stroke discharge as it passes thru and cools in the exhaust system.

In your case BobP63 it is magnified with the installation of the LASER BC-I system. You have removed a "plug">RESTRICTOR< (Cat Conv.) and now have the LASER rotational flow low backpressure extractor cans. You have lowered the backpressure thus the gas cooling and forming said solution in the can's packing and the runoff of this condensate.

This is normal when you start the bike and let it run in a stationary position. It can be enhanced by temperature and humidity.

Hop on the bike, start it and ride it. The exhaust system will heat up increasing the exhaust system's effeciency (Velocity) and it will expell the exhaust charge in a gaseous form. When you return from your ride the exhaust will be hot and it will burn off any minimal condensate.

We do not suggest sealing this joint. Let it run off!

Ride Ride Ride and enjoy your "S" BobP63! Thanks for chosing LASER!
__________________________________________________ __

FYI:
This is an issue that we get questioned about:

Q.
The corrosion of the inside of an exhaust system by direct chemical attack resulting from an acidic, aqueous solution that condenses from the exhaust gas at relatively low temperatures and collects at the cooler rear portions of the exhaust system.

A.
NOTE: LASER uses #321 Light-Gauge Aircraft Stainless.
Ti is added to prevent carbicle precipitation and prevents intra-granular corrosion. It is suitable for high temp use to 875°C.


__________________________________________________ __

REPOE:

"sheesh, 40k miles on the S with a laser boxercup race system and it never sealed. i have even taken it apart, cleaned it up, and reinstalled it with some sealant and it eventually burned it away and i have fairly large carbon spots right at each slip joint. at this point i am thinking about doing the uninstall, cleaning and welding to seal it :P

Greetings repoe3,

We must resolve this!

LASER Pipes must fit perfectly as they do not seat in! I suspect that some of your items are "Out of Spec". Get me some pictures of the parts involved and I will replace them with QC'ed replacements. I have plenty of spares here.

>>Don't weld it, that is not what we both paid for!<<

Best,
Robert

_________________________________________________

[boxercup]

Maine roads:
"Just found one yesterday. I was warming up the R12S for a quick ride before the impending snowstorm. I noticed some water on the garage floor and found it coming from the union of the header and the muffler downpipe (stock system). I also noticed a slight exhaust leak there, only visible because of the cold. Couldn't find any movement in the system and the bikes running fine."

>>>NORMAL!


How was the snow>?

[MaineRoads]

Piling up as I type!

[boxercup]

Maine,

Too bad, too far>SNOWBOARDING! YES!

Raining like cats and dogs here!