Exhaust Leak - Ticking

[BradT585]

I have had a ticking for the past year or so, at low speed crusing, 25 - 35 mph and 2000 rpm . I have discovered it is coming from the left side exhaust. I tightened the nuts and it went away but started again in less than an hour . Next I replaced the gaskets, same results, though it took it a day to start ticking again  . I was wondering if there is anything that might help with this, sealing compounds or some trick to installing the gasckets? Oh yeah, 1999 IS with 45000 miles, stock exhaust with baffels removed. Thanks.
ps maybe an extra tech session for inzane??? See you there!!!

[hubcapsc]

I have had a ticking for the past year or so, at low speed crusing, 25 - 35 mph and 2000 rpm . I have discovered it is coming from the left side exhaust. I tightened the nuts and it went away but started again in less than an hour . Next I replaced the gaskets, same results, though it took it a day to start ticking again  . I was wondering if there is anything that might help with this, sealing compounds or some trick to installing the gasckets? Oh yeah, 1999 IS with 45000 miles, stock exhaust with baffels removed. Thanks.
ps maybe an extra tech session for inzane??? See you there!!!

Be real careful with those header studs, but you might be on the right track... they need resnugged several
times after you put new OEM crush gaskets on... maybe that's all you need...

-Mike "but don't break one..."

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Adjust your valves.

[Bob E.]

You have an Interstate...just turn up the radio! 

[Patrick]

If the 'ticking' is definitely an exhaust gasket and retightening[very carefully] the retainers from the center out isn't helping then maybe trying to find some different gaskets may help.. There was an outfit [ I can't recall their name right now] that made a fiber gasket which I prefer to the Honda copper ones.. Also I have had to straighten more than one exhaust flange.. They are somewhat flexible,but, I've had to file[ or mill] some straight to get them to seal..

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I've reused my exhaust gaskets a few times already.
You cant over torque them.
New gaskets are probably needed if indeed they were over tightened.

[Udo]

I insert the gaskets with some high temp silicone. A mess to remove, but seals perfect.....

[hubcapsc]

I insert the gaskets with some high temp silicone. A mess to remove, but seals perfect.....

I used to really goop up the headers on my motocross bikes with that stuff, and I use just a little of it on
the Valk's gaskets to make them resist gravity while I'm fumbling around trying to make the
pipes line back up...

-Mike