Leaky Exhaust

Dear Ralph:

My ’94 Vmax 500 has a continual leak at the Y-pipe area. Oil is dripping down into the belly pan and sure makes a mess. I’ve already installed new gaskets, but still have the problem. Any suggestions ?

Even though new gaskets are used, you will sometimes have annoying leakage around the Y-pipe to cylinder surfaces, as well as around the ball joints where the Y-pipe fits to the Y-pipe. First clean the surfaces with brake or contact cleaner to insure a flat mating surface, then apply a thin coat of hi-temp silicone (available at any auto parts store) to the surfaces. The same can be done to the ball joints if they are leaky. Use caution when re-installing the Y-pipe and only torque to 15-17 ft pounds.