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Just installed a new exhaust manifold/cat part from am autoparts. Got everything bolted up and car starts up and idles fine. BUT I noticed some smoke/vapor rising from the manifold. It's not billowing out... just kinda rising up. It's clear, white, smoke.

Had a few thoughts like maybe the new iron is just getting warmed up or burning off some factory residue?

Or maybe I didn't put the gasket on the right way... is that possible? Both sides looked the same to me.

Or maybe I just didn't tighten the bolts enough! I don't have a torque wrench. Pulled pretty hard but I'm sure I could do harder.

One last question. The support bracket for the flange from the cat didn't line up so I couldn't get the bolt on... is that going to be a major problem??

 
Rep Power: 518

New exhaust parts almost always stink like hell til they have been heated a couple times. And some are coated in some oily stuff from the machining processes.

One that bolts to the engine block?
Loosen the other end of the bracket so it can be moved?

Leaving it off COULD lead to premature breakage/failure. The cat is kinda heavy to be hanging without all its supports in place.

 
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Yes, the one bolted to the engine block. I loosened it but still a little off... with a smaller diameter bolt/nut I can get it on. I'll pick one up soon. Thanks for the help.

 
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Don't over tighten the bolts/nuts. Breaking one off in the head will suck big time. Also did you use a new gasket? Using some high temp permatex copper will help seal everything up.