Flex Pipe Separation

[imgolden]

Hi all,

I noticed I may have an exhaust leak last week, so today I finally was able to snoop around using the leaf blower trick.

I found the leak. (not my manifold gasket, yay!) The flex pipe is separating from from the pipe it's supposed to connect to on the bottom.
The flex pipe is in good shape, and doesn't appear to be damaged, but is possibly just separating.
Is there supposed to be a clamp here, or is it a weld?

https://imgur.com/tY5y1xS

Not the best photo, but the shiny area of the flex pipe is where the leak is.

Thanks!

I'm driving an 82' 300D by the way.

[Mxfrank]

It's a weld, but I have used a strap clamp in a pinch, like this:

[imgolden]

Mxfrank, how long did the strap last? I also also considering a fix like that right now.

[Mxfrank]

A long time. It was still on the car when it died of other causes. These straps are made of stainless, so as long as the base pipe is sound, they're good. When I installed it, I coated the back with Walker Acoustiseal, to insure a gas tight fit. Then just wail into the bolts, and done. The key is finding the right size clamp. Measure carefully.

[imgolden]

Sweet, thanks. I'd prefer a clamp over other fixes, but the area that cracked isn't flat, so I may need to get creative

[Mxfrank]

Worst case, remove the pieces and have them welded.