The true goal of those washers was to allow expansion of the bolts so the connection doesn't come loose when things cool off again. The pipe break due to age and the stress there. Using stainless hardware and never seize I can tell you this connections is prone to having the bolts come loose and fall out. Anyway, I sent the part numbers for the washers you need from McMaster Carr. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 2:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Diaphragm Springs - Exhaust - 2.1L WBX

I have run into a problem. The J-pipe has broken right at the 2 into 1 cast iron collector. I have a replacement.

Upon close examination, it is clear that break is an expansion stress break. Also, it's clear that connection is supposed to be an expansion join. But like the 'lil boy  sez "It ain't happening!" Therefore I have a broken J-pipe.

Bentley ( page 26.9) shows that joint assembled with 5 DIAPHRAGM SPRINGS on each of 3 bolts. Mine has none. So far, list vendors I have contacted don't use or sell these, so they say, and haven't seen them. I have a problem with that, because I KNOW that is an expansion joint and has to have a way to relieve the stress of expansion due to heating and cooling.

Can someone enlighten me about this? Tell me where to get Diaphragm Springs
- by that or another name?  I don't want to put this back together unless it is right and can give under heat in that joint.

Thanks

John