It's been a while since I've done this job, but I think you nailed it, in
that you need to slack off as much of the remaining exhaust as possible,
and then tighten incrementally to tension things uniformly until fully
snug.  Kind of a pain from recollection

On Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 8:52 AM, Gregory Smith <gfs@gregoryfsmith.com>wrote:

> Hi gang,
>
> I recently had to replace my header pipes and 2-1 manifold.  I'll spare
> the horror stories of getting the old rusty parts off.  Except to
> mention the one broken stud that took more than 4 hours to coax out
> using heat, PB Blaster, vice grips and patience.  And a sawzall is sure
> handy.
>
> Anyway, the new pipes and gaskets are great, but I can't seem to get the
> dual-pipes-to-manifold joint to seal, where I have a noticeable leak.
>
> I think I need to loosen everything and start tightening at this
> particular joint, but any suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Gregory Smith
> '88 Vanagon GL
>
> Smith Design Studio
> Small Building Company
> Olympia, WA
> 360-239-0429
> gregoryfsmith.com
>

--
Casey