Nylock nuts are inappropriate for use on high-temp assemblies.  High-temp,
crimped-type locknuts are the right hardware for the this job.  Nylon
plastic softens or melts at a fairly low temp, which defeats the entire
purpose of the locknut.  I found stainless steel, high-grade, crimp-type
locknuts at Lowe's.
  Also, 'too-long' bolts, stacks of washers (lock and/ or flat) is also
incorrect, especially for excessive exposed threads.  This invites damaged
bolt end-threads due to exposure or corrosion, and will make subsequent
removal difficult to impossible.
  ETKA shows factory lengths for my '87 Westy 2.1 exhaust bolts;

http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/vw/T2/1987/65/50/676378/

  I spend time (and money!) getting the right parts and checking installed
lengths for these very reasons.  If you care enough to do it right, do it
right the first time, and you'll be glad later that you did!
  This workmanship habit comes from years as a licensed aircraft/ jet engine
mechanic, both civilian and military.

Mike B.  TSGT, USAF-ret.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Frank Condelli" <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 5:56 AM
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject:      Re: 2.1 exhaust fastener question

> 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