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MG MGB Technical - Separating exhaust pipe and box

Any ideas on how to separate an exhaust pipe from its box? It's a stainless system which I assembled with exhaust sealant. I now wish to separate it so that I can adjust the fit. I've tried heat with no success and, whilst the parts are now slightly free, I have no success getting the pipe to move more than a 1/4". Is there a solvent available to soften the sealant or is it just grunt and patience that's needed?
Richard Coombs

Could try a little spray lubricant such as Ferrosol etc up the joints and keep twisting / wagling - it can be a real pain !

R.
richard boobier

As Richard suggests, twisting and waggling often works. If you have used the standard U-clamp, it may have compressed the pipes so much that they won't want to come apart without resorting to cutting!
D O'Neill

Tap gently around the joint with a flat faced hammer, I use a body hammer. Repeat as you turn or pull on it. Doing it while hot is even better, but you need a helper. The hammering will disintegrate the sealer, and level out the distortion caused by the clamps. Most difficult part is hammering on the "top", where the clamp distortion is usually worst.

FRM
FR Millmore

As a tip, what we all suggest when putting exhaust systems together? Sealant or no sealant? Anti seize paste? would it worK? Mike
J.M. Doust

Nothing, and don't overtighten. The round-section U-clamps result in corrugations, which is why the two halves move in relation to one another but can't be pulled apart. The V8 uses 'C' straps over an inch wide which don't cause that.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed between 11/11/2011 and 14/11/2011

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