I keep hearing people talking about leaks in their y-pipes. Where is this leak and why can't you just put in a gasket and fix it? I am wondering because I am about to buy a used (200 miles) y pipe and the previous owner said it has the sound of a leak. Is that bad??

 

I think it could depend on the type of pipe you're getting. If you are getting a Cattman, there could be a leak in the flex section of the pipe if there's a tear or something like that. I've been reading about a couple of those lately...other than that, I don't know if it's a regular pipe w/ no flex section other than a leak from a bad gasket/connection.

 

The one I am buying is a Stillen

 

It would need to be re-lined or replaced all together depending on how bad the leak is. I don't know why our stock Y's never leaked? Only aftermarket Y's, suggesting to me they aren't as good as we think.

 

How do you find out for sure if there is a leak? Are leaks really that bad??

 

I've been thinking of getting a y-pipe too but the flex section leak problems have kept me back. I don't know if the quality of materials that are being used or it is something that just happens. I had a 93 Prelude with a DC Sports 4-2-1 header for 5 years and I never had a single problem. Even the bees-in-the-can sound, I never had it. It wasn't even stainless steel but ceramic coated and it never had a single speckle of rust on it.

 

and it looks like a real big spring with one of those engine hose dress up kits Super sized over it. I look in the cat end and kinda see the spring, but no light. So there is some type of layer that seals it, I just can't really see it.