No, I'm slightly skeptical. If wax penetrated the joint, show the stud w/ dark wax stains. I've seen others touting this procedure using acetylene heated and copious application of wax. Most seemed to burn due to high heat.

Heat definitely works and adding a little wax can't hurt anything.

good luck

 

Well, I replaced the pipe.

Before starting the job, I bought a Berzomatic MAPP torch with no oxygen option.

In short, the torch works far better than propane and I was even able to re-use absolutely all of the fasteners. I simply heated them red hot, put my Ridgid impact wrench on low power setting and the nuts or bolts all spun right off. I tried the wax on two fasteners, but the result was the same as with no wax -- they spun right off.

The nuts on the engine-side of the catalytic converter looked hopeless, but even they succumbed to the MAPP and I was able to re-use even those nuts.

I'm kicking myself for not having bought a MAPP torch years ago.

The only concern I have over the job is that I used a Walker-brand replacement pipe. The flex part of the pipe is not as long as the OEM, but the overall length of the pipe is still proper. But the new pipe runs pretty darned close to the oil pan. It was so close that I took a huge screwdriver, wedged it between the pipe and oil pan and pried up the oil pan a bit where the pipe was closest to the pan. It's now better than before, but still pretty close.

I'd like to wedge some kind of insulation between the oil pan and the pipe. I'm thinking maybe some of that cloth that welders used to protect objects from sparks. Any other suggestions for a good insulator?

Thanks.

 

Which Berzomatic model did you use?

 

TS839

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I also used Walker cat-back OEM replacement product QuietFlow (there was a $30 rebate available when I installed a few months back). I found the fit good, but there were some challenges reattaching heat shields from the Honda OEM part. Also the hangers fit pretty well, but they are always a challenge to engage the rubber donuts on the hangers.

good luck

 

I may have to try this next time I have a stuck bolt. Although for my exhaust system the bolts were basically rusting from the inside out so there was not bolt once the nut came off. I have a maramont resonator on my car 96 it has held up very well much better then whatever midas put on I think Im going on year 10 or so now in a very rusty climate. My flex pipe is shorter then OEM never had a issue with it.

I usually take household vaseline and put it on the rubber boots and hangers that hold the exhaust system it works wonders they slide all over the place.