I have actually not started yet. Still gathering parts and trying to
finally finish a cv joint on our 86 Cabriolet...

This is my first Vanagon exhaust job. I am also doing the whole thing
from the manifolds on, except for the cat and the muffler. Haven't
even looked at the situation yet -- too scared, don't want to know --
I am in upstate NY salt country, so the whole thing is a single,
fused rust mass... ugh... my (current) plan is to keep squirting a
penetrant on the bolts and be as gentle and patient as possible.
Judicious, careful heat can sometimes help...

I guess all you can do is go for it and see what happens... I'll let
you know what I learn as I get into it.

Let me know how it goes for you...good luck!

Will

>Will, I am installing a new exhaust system on my '85 Vanagon this week
>coming up as well....the whole thing, end to end.......I am interested to
>hear what folks say about the sealant on the gaskets as well.....was going
>to ask that question myself too.....my question to you, since it sounds like
>you are in to the project already.....were you able to get all of those
>exhause bolts out without dropping the motor?.....some of the bolts look
>tough to get ahold of with anything but a ratchet...and, if they are as hard
>to get out as I am thinking, the ratchet will fail....so I'm thinking, how
>am I going to cut the heads off those bolts if I have to?....or, how will I
>get a drill in there to use an easy out.....sure, mystery oil on those bolts
>for 24 hours prior, but will it be enough to save me from having to pull the
>motor??...something tells me...maybe not...bummer!...but, if I have to drop
>it, I have to....just wondering if anyone has done it without doing
>so....man, those bolts look perty darn rusty up in there!!
>
>I appreciate in advance your recent exhaust knowledge my friend.....
>
>Thanks alot,
>Dustin
>'85 Vanagon - Chuba
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
>Of Will Morris
>Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 3:30 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Exhaust install question -- sealant?
>
>
>I am installing new exhaust components in my 85 Vanagon GL: both
>manifolds and the j-pipe that connects them to the catalytic
>converter.
>
>Should I use a hi-temp sealant with any of the gaskets? If so, which one?
>
>thanks,
>
>Will
>
>- - -
>Will Morris
>http://www.machinelab.com/