Rep Power: 0

I put a new crush gasket in and new bolts (OEM) but the leak is still bad. Lots of soapy bubbles at the joint.

Assuming the spring bolts are working (i.e. tightened evenly), what am I looking at for a fix?

A in the illustration is NOT leaking.
D in the illustration is LEAKING.

 
Rep Power: 222

Is it an OEM gasket?

 
Rep Power: 0

Yes it is

 
Rep Power: 243

Something not lined up causing the gasket to not seal properly. Check flanges for any obstructions. Is it the correct gasket?

 
Rep Power: 0

Yes it's the correct gasket, it actually sealed like 90% better than the Flepro one I tried first.

 
Rep Power: 243

Yea Felpro is more miss then hit OEM is best.

Is something bent?

 
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It's beyond me if the headers or the downpipe mating surfaces are bent? That would suck

 
Rep Power: 222

Take a straight edge to it

 
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It's not a straight application though.. it is concaved allowing for the doughnut gasket to press up inside there.

 
Rep Power: 222

but the flanges should be straight

 
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They don't even touch though but yeah for the spring bolts to be able to work maybe. What is your rationale to making sure the flange lips are straight if I may ask?

 
Rep Power: 222

even clamping pressure

 
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Ok let's fast forward and assume that they are bent to ****. Now what? I do own several hammers.

 
Rep Power: 222

Get them as straight as you can, grab another gasket and see what that gets you

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright, well that solves next steps. I will come out and say I lied, I am using random spring bolts off the shelf from Advanced Auto. The new OEM ones will arrive at Honda on Thursday. Gonna try those first and straight edge while i'm in there... again. These bolts wear out so fast.

 
Rep Power: 118

 
Rep Power: 0

Just like 4 times in the past 5 years, but they get so burnt and the threads start to suck ***