94 YJ 4cyl -- missing gasket between headers and exhaust pipe?

Question

I ripped out my exhaust today to replace a bad catalytic converter and muffler, and I noticed there wasn't any kind of gasket where the exhaust headers meet with the exhaust pipe that goes to the cat. Just metal to metal. Is there supposed to be a donut gasket or something in there?

I looked at the walker exhaust page for the YJ which is here

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it looks like they sell the gaskets I'm asking about, but only forthe 6cyl and earlier 4cyl exhausts (91-92) ... which makes me wonderif there isn't supposed to be a gasket for my '94 4cyl.

DougW · Accepted Answer

mr_man did pass the time by typing:Depends, but usually yes.  You can run across a composite O ring, flatgasket, or lead wedge O ring depending on the coupling.Look for a lead like O ring, it usally sticks to the header side justbelow the flange.  That pipe by the way is called a "down pipe" betweenthe header and the cat.

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

The book I have for an '94 YJ four cylinder calls for that donut.It's been my experience that if it uses that type of O ring gasket, thatit'll leak like crazy with anything else, so you must have after marketheaders.         God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:      wrote:

Robert Hahn · Answer

i have the same year and the same engine, and no gasket or o-ring. but italso leaks bad. but due to severe rust and corrosion i'm replacing theheaders and down pipe soon.

mr_man · Answer

I took the downtube off again today and snapped a pic

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There's no gasket there, just a rounded metal part that fits in the downtube. Is this enough to seal it? I fired the jeep up, felt around the connection and didn't notice any air leaks.

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

You have a cast iron header, interesting I thought and converted tosteel pipes before that. Yours is probably the best style of connection.         God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:      wrote:

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:     Robert Hahn wrote:

Mike Romain · Answer

That engine has the same style cast header as the 258. I tried hard to get a gasket in mine because the shop listed it. LOL! I tried real hard too. Bugger wouldn't last a day....

No gasket needed.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

mr_man wrote:

Nick N · Answer

Mines the same for a 93 yj.  If that hookup isn't perfectly round, you getleaks.  You have to handle the area delicatly to prevent any mishapping.You can use a hightemp copper gasket sealant.  It works pretty well.Nick

94 YJ 4cyl -- missing gasket between headers and exhaust pipe?

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