Figured this might do better over here than in the exhaust forum.

2001 B2500 - doing some repairs to the entire exhaust system, repairing some broken brackets, old gaskets and hardware, etc. This has been monkeyed with before my ownership so i'm trying to get things in OEM order.

Question - is there supposed to be a gasket between the exhaust manifold outlet and the cat inlet? Mine does not have one and I don't find much reference to there being one in my online searches. Still, seems unusual that connection would be merely a metal-to-metal flange bolt up.

Any input appreciated - thanks!

 

I don't have experience with B2500, but I would expect a gasket between the exhaust manifold outlet and the converter inlet. I know there is such gasket there on my 1998 and 2004 Frontiers. For those, a commonly-available gasket was available from the parts stores.

I might suggest to unbolt and trace size/shape and take to the parts store.

 

Thanks for the input. I agree, seems there should be "something" there. It is kind of an unusual ball and flange type connection so I suppose I could also understand it being a metal to metal fitup.

 

I looked on the Jim Ellis Parts site last night, and the exploded view drawing looks like it shows a "ball" type connection made into the exhaust manifold-to-pipe connection there........so I doubt that there is a gasket there.

That said, I would bet that you could find a similar "flat" flange type of gasket that you could slip into your connection, then tighten it up to close up any "space" that may be leaking exhaust, from a worn out stock "ball" type connection. It could be a fix that lasts years actually, without replacing the exhaust manifold......if it is indeed worn there.