My CMIs have the old style rope gasket, anyone ever have any luck keeping these things from leaking? I replaced them again this weekend but I'm tired of doing it. Wish is had the cool colars but for now I'm stuck with the ropes. What's the secret?

Mine last a year if I do not have to pull the exhaust for any reason. I have to tighten them a couple times then they are set. They are a bit@& to get on though. Do not cut them even if they seem to long all mine have come cut to proper length.

Mine have all been proper length and CMI has been great at sending them at no charge. I also got the clamping tool from them which makes doing them almost painless. I did find graphite rope that is good to an unbelievable temperature, I am going to try is next time. We'll see if that works better. I have also used high temp red rtv with the ropes. Hopefully the graphite ropes will the the answer, I found it in the MSC catalog.

Guess I need to call on that tool. Changing them is a pain without it. I have never used any sealant on mine. I have seen others that have though. I run standard CMI tails running through Teague 450 switchable muffler tips. Are your seals burning up?

Ok guys, here is my solution to the problem. I have been running this for several years with no leaks.
I went to the hardware store and bought the rope gasket material for the door on a wood burner. I found a place that had it in bulk!!! I bought a couple of yards of thinner stuff, maybe 3/8" and when I install it. I make several wraps around the pipe, pushing into the clamp with a plastic stick and tugging on the rope as I go. This makes a seal with out a seam and so far it has worked great for me.. I did it once and havent had to replace it since. When I take my headers off, I leave the pipes intact and remove the whole setup..
Hope this helps..

Dick

I have the same system, yes my seals are burning that's why I want to try the graphite rope. I like the idea in the other reply, I'm going to look for a thinner rope that I can push deeper into the flange.

The clamp works great, don't think it was specifically design for this application but it really helps getting the t-bolts in. I also use it while I tighten down on the bolts.