What's the secret to getting exhaust apart?

[C. Harlan]

Ok, here we go. . a while back (2 yrs ago) I bought a 4" Exhaust. . Now I have a muffler which I want to install, but I am having all hell trying to get the exhaust segments seperated, and do not want to go to an exhaust shop to get it done. I spent too much money for one of them to just whack it right off. . How do you get these exhaust segments seperated without damaging anything??



-Chris-

 

[LaserBob]

Heat!

 

[keimmmo]

I'm an old muffler shop owner myself. Like Bob said, "HEAT!!!"



If the connection has bad damage from overtightening the clamp, like most of our trucks, you should first take a sharp chisel and remove the guide that is welded to the pipe that goes into the muffler. That will help you be able to twist the pipe/muffler more. Then heat it past red hot... almost white hot! Twist and pull the connection while keeping it hot with the torch... a two man job. Avoid wiggling the pipe from side to side since that flairs the muffler and makes it more difficult to put back together later.



Some connections can be really tough to separate!!!



Steve

 

[CAlford]

I like heat from torch in combination with a come-a-long or strap. When I did mine I was able to heat the connections up with a torch while strapped up to a tree behind the truck. The heat with constant pull worked great. This combo was the only way mine was coming off...

 

[mikel]

Heat, and make sure no sensitive ears are nearby.



When you go back together with it, use the flat band clamps and you will be able to take it apart next time with no drama.



Mike

 

[sick_ram]

the orange wrench usually works well

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

the orange wrench usually works well

With rosebud tip