Hi All,
Having spotted what looks like a small leak between the Cat and the exhaust back section of my Late (P Reg) Mk1 1.8 I’ve been looking for a replacement gasket for the joint. The car has a 475mm cat and I’m seeing different recommendations for the correct gasket from different suppliers. Some are suggesting I’ll need a ‘round’ ring like gasket others a more ‘standard’ looking gasket with holes for the bolts (does that description make sense), both are well known suppliers. The car has an aftermarket stainless exhaust from the cat back but an original cat, so I wouldn’t necessarily rely on what was in there as a guide to what is correct.
Before I start taking things apart can anyone offer any advice.
Also what’s the difference between the fixing nuts advertised for the cat, which seem to be copper in colour and ordinary stainless ones, whoever did my exhaust last used stainless
Thanks
Mike
Just buy both will it brake the bank!
I have the same 475mm cat fitted to my 1997 ‘P’ reg MK1 1.6.
The replacement cat I bought about 12 years ago was supplied with 2 standard flat metal sandwich gaskets but these were not correct to fit the part. I did try using them but the exhaust would not seal.
When I took it apart, the original cat, front pipe and catback had rebated slots cut into them to receive the sealing rings that had been used as gaskets at both ends.
I got around the problem by reusing these rings. Because the cat had no rebated slot for the ring, the part compressed more and sealed completely.
No blowing or problem in over 12 years, so it worked.
You may have problems identifying new replacements for these rings as not so much data on the last system fitted to the MK1.
My advice is to ensure that your local motor factor could supply similar rings if needed but re-use your old ones, perhaps with a smear of silicone for added peace of mind.
If it seals properly the job is done.
Thanks Rhino, I couldn’t see any sign of a metal sandwich gasket on the front of the cat so I’ll go for the rings as you suggest. Looking at the back of the cat where the aftermarket exhaust was fitted there seems to be a silvery coloured gop so I suspect the original seal is long gone.
Mike