Nope, no sealant.  Just be sure that the donut and the spots that it
contacts are realtively smooth and rust free.  A little emery cloth will do
the trick.  If the donut is really pitted, some of that exhaust sealant goop
might help.  Suggest replacing the bolts with galvanized or stainless.When
you tighten everything down line up the donut joint carefully, and snug each
nut in sequence, a little at a time. A tap with hammer or mallet will help
to assure that it doesn't pinched at a skewed angle.
FWIW, the last time I had mine apart the donut shattered and came out in 3
pieces. If you can't afford to have your van "down" while you get another,
get it now.

Gary

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cadabes, Ruben G (PWCPEARL)" <CadabesRG@PWCPEARL.NAVY.MIL>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 8:19 PM
Subject: replacing muffler

> hi all,
>
> I'm planning to replace my muffler this this weekend on my 90 carat. got
all
> the parts muffler,gaskets etc. Just one question, between the side exhaust
> elbow & side connector pipe there's an exhaust donut (metal ring), is
there
> suppose to be some kinda sealant or just a metal to metal application? the
> reason I ask is the way I look at it, I'll have to remove it from that
point
> to remove the muffler and replace all the (3) gaskets. Just want to make
> sure I got all the parts needed to put the new muffler back.
>
> Thanks,
> ruben......