In a message dated 26/08/2010 2:12:50 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

        Gregory, those spring  washers are not needed.  I have been fitting
Vanagon Exhaust systems like  for over 10 years and NEVER use them.  A
stainless steel bolt with  stainless steel flat washer up against the hole that
is slotted and a stainless  steel nylock nut on the other end.  This is the
scenario for all joint  connections in the exhaust systems I install and
sell.  They will not come  loose if installed correctly.   Please consider my
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_ (ht
tp://frankcondelli.com/exhaust.htm)  in any of your future exhaust replacements.

>>>>>I just replaced the "J" pipe on my '88 GL, the  end at the manifold
rusted out and it sounded like a tank.  In fitting  the new pipe, I'm
wondering about the stack of 5 washers on each bolt at  that end.  I
omitted them for now until I find out what is best to  use.  Are these
just spring washers or something else?  Can I use  a spring like others
do?  The existing ones were pretty gone.   Can I leave it without them? =20

Secondly, I am considering a complete  new exhaust minus this pipe and a
muffler which is 1 year old.  Any  gotchas?=20<<<<<<<<<

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://frankcondelli.com/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://frankcondelli.com/busindex.html)  -
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://frankcondelli.com/exhaust.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://www.busfusion.com/)  a VW Camper  camping event,
Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13,  2010