The Maxima just has a way of keeping us busy, doesnt it?

My exhaust set up is:
Ypipe
RT cat
warpspeed B
HKS muffler

the B and the HKS, I had them for about 2 weeks now. This morning I discovered I have a leak at the clamped section of the bpipe. Can I use an exhaust tape to patch that up instead of welding the joint?
Also, I am suspecting I have a leak somewhere else, possibly, because I think the engine feels kinda "labored" when accelerataing..

How detrimental are exhaust leaks, performance wise? Would any leaks at 1 or more places cause the exhaust to be louder? Any particualr noises to listen for, such as "sputtering sounds" at low RPMs or such?

Appreciate your help.

 

most noticeable thing you'll hear is hissing, which will get louder with more throttle and RPM.. the greater the volume of exhaust flowing through the pipes, the louder the noises will be.


best way to find leaks is to jack up the car and have a helper start it up and run it about 1500-2000 rpm while you crawl around underneath and look for it.


you could tape the joint, but welding is a better option. if it's clamped, then put another clamp on it and see if that helps..


if all else fails, use some high temp RTV silicone. if it can be used to glue the tiles onto the bottom of the space shuttle, it can stand a little exhaust heat.

 

wow. that is a true "men's glue".

 

You seem to have spent quite a bit on exhaust components not to have spent the minimal amount to weld it together...