I installed a inline exhaust brake and can not get a seal between the turbo elbow and down pipe. The flange on the down pipe had some crakes so a bought a replacement flange and had a exhaust shop weld it to the down pipe and reinstalled. The connection still leaks. The exhaust shop told me that because the clamp ( which is the OEM clamp) that holds the elbow to down pipe has voids or gaps which is what allows it to clamp down without distortion it will never seal under the pressure of a exhaust brake. Is this true? Does anyone with experience with a inline exhaust brake have a leak between the turbo elbow and down pipe? Is this normal? Can it be fixed as to not leak? The exhaust brake does not have very much braking force. And I am very disappointed.

 

I just finished installing a Pacbrake exhaust brake system. i also replaced the turbo w/ an HE 351 CW. I used a ratchet strap around a joint about 4 feet downstream from the exhaust brake and pulled it up tight, so the sealing edges are parallel before I place the clamp on. Once I put the clamp on, I would tighten a small amount and tap all around the clamp with a small hammer, tighten more and repeat. I would only tighten to take up the slack and then tap more. This made sure I got a good seal. Torqued to 100-inch pounds. I should have mentioned, I thoroughly cleaned the inside of clamp and the threads of any corrosion. I also cleaned the exhaust tubes. I will come back, and check torques in a month. The Pacbrake is very effective and will come in very handy when I am towing our 8K lb trailer.