The crossover pipes cracking is a common occurrence.  It is important that
the muffler is properly supported.  The purpose of those diaphragm springs
is to keep the bolts tight during the heating/cooling that occurs there.
Not to allow movement.  When doing exhaust work, I like to use stainless
hardware.  make future removal much easier.  Still need to never-seize to
keep the  threads from galling.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, August 27, 1998 6:21 PM
Subject: 86 syncro exhaust y-pipe bolts/washers?

>About 3 months ago I replaced the y-pipe.  When I took the old one off,
>there were no "bolts with a big washer and 5 diaphragm springs" (on either
>side of the metal "donut" gasket) like it shows in the bentley.  I never
>thought it mattered, so I just replaced the regular ones that were on in
>the first place.
>
>Now my rear crossover pipe is cracked off at the flange on the cylinder
>head.  I asked at the dealer about the spring and washer setup and they
>said that parts were unavailable and that they weren't necessary anyway.
>
>I have a new crossover pipe I am about to put on, but I don't want it to
>crack in a couple of months.
>
>Is the amount of play that the springs allow enough to cause stress that
>will eventually break off my pipe?  Should I worry or what should I use to
>bolt it together?
>
>Thanks ahead
>Gary Thaxter
>
>74 transporter panel
>78 westy
>85 kombi
>86 syncro