BD Diesel Install

[PA Ram]

No...If they were "EXACT" replacements they would be the same crappy quality as the old ones. I know they label them as "direct" replacements...That NEVER (to me, anyway) means they are EXACT replacements. I would have loosened it all and started from there. That's just me, based on my experience with aftermarket parts.

That's the way I am headed now, I bought them in January which is when I returned to work after my back surgery and didn't get a chance to install until spring and only did the passenger side at the time since I knew it had broken bolts. Fast forward a few months and driver side had broken bolts. You're right it isn't an OEM product so it isn't exact. It in theory is supposed to be a better then OEM product. Never noticed a leak on passenger side until I had issues on driver side and then checked both. Hopefully I get it sealed and someone learns from my ordeal.

 

[swine]

If I recall the only thing we did when connecting these was spread a little anti-seize on the joint and tighten the bolts evenly a little at a time until tight.

 

[PA Ram]

If I recall the only thing we did when connecting these was spread a little anti-seize on the joint and tighten the bolts evenly a little at a time until tight.

Yeah, did see some people using anti seize or grease on the ball when tightening the exhaust to the manifold. I'm going to release the y pipe to get more movement and hopefully a better fit. Before I even start I'm gonna spray everything with soapy water and see where I'm getting the leak the worst. I've seen old school approaches that said to fold aluminum foil over itself a few times to make a gasket around the ball. With a melting point around 1800°F holds up fine. I'm thinking if I get a leak after all this that may be the way to go. Anyone ever tried it on an exhaust? Can't see how it could hurt,but if it's not leaking I won't worry about it. I'm still guessing that it isn't tight enough. Gonna draw down the bolts some more.

 

[PA Ram]

I'll check tomorrow, should be in my garage somewhere. I know he said it wasn't sold in stores. Seems to work pretty good. I'll drop a picture here when I find it. Hoping to start ripping the truck apart tomorrow. Need to see if I have a 4x4 laying around somewhere so I can jack the whole front end and place jack stands. I have a crappy hydraulic floor jack (works okay just doesn't have super high lifting range). Can't get on center frame and get both tires off the ground. Real world problems. Just sucks if if have to do one side at a time.

 

[Wild one]

Does the can say anything about what the fluid consists of?

 

[PA Ram]

Does the can say anything about what the fluid consists of?

I'd have to check, I don't remember seeing it on there.

 

[PA Ram]

I'd have to check, I don't remember seeing it on there.

All I know is that when I googled it, it is expensive.

 

[Wild one]

I'd have to check, I don't remember seeing it on there.

Found some info on it,sounds alot like acetone/transmission fluid with a propane carrier to cool things down in a hurry.
I could see it really working good on a rusted bolt that's hot

FREE Penetrant & Release Agent 12oz

Not for use on electrical contactsBe sure you select UPS Ground deliveries ONLY.FREE Penetrant Cannot ship USPS

www.thesolarbiz.com

https://vbnpaving.ca/products/productdatasheet/Certified%20Free%20Penetrant%20and%20Release%20Agent.pdf

 

[PA Ram]

Found some info on it,sounds alot like acetone/transmission fluid with a propane carrier to cool things down in a hurry.
I could see it really working good on a rusted bolt that's hot

https://vbnpaving.ca/products/productdatasheet/Certified%20Free%20Penetrant%20and%20Release%20Agent.pdf

Guy gave my son in law a few cans to try out and he gave me one. He usually uses acetone and trans fluid for stuck rusted bolts as well. He works on paving equipment and dump trucks for his family's business so I can imagine how bad it is getting some of those bolts out. If I don't end up getting a good seal after I'm over COVID I'm taking my truck to his shop so we can get this figured out. He surprisingly does not have a lift there, but plenty of jacks and stands and every tool imaginable.

 

[PA Ram]

Waving the white flag, still leaks under load. At this point I will probably just wait till next weekend and have my son in law look at it to see what he thinks. Maybe I'll get it in the shop I used to use to see if they can figure it out. Idk

 

[PA Ram]

Did finally get it fixed. I took my truck to my son in-laws and we disconnected both collectors and used some emory paper to clean up the collectors and used high temp exhaust sealer. Been a week and no leaks. I'm sure the sealant helps,but I think cleaning up the collectors and bolting both sides evenly is what sealed it up.