Muffler Gaskets 500xc

I have a '99 500XC

I noticed some oil on the left side in front of where the muffler connects to the engine. It is running great, not noticing any performance issues.

I can feel the exhaust leaking out around the gasket where the Y pipe bolts to the engine.

Would this cause some oil to spray out in that area? If it is spraying oil out the exhaust is this running to rich?

Are the gaskets difficult to change?

It looks like you just take off the few bolts and replace it. Looks like I could do it without having to take off any muffler springs.

Is it that easy?

My only other thought is a head gasket, I am hoping it is not that.

Thanks for any help![/b]

Click to expand...

Exhaust header gasket replacement is part of regular maintenance. Depending on what make and model of sled, it's possible that the gaskets get changed out every other year, or sooner (Older Cats). And yup, black slime blows out of this area. (Usually below or beside where the header is bolted onto the cylinder).

You'll have to take the springs off, and remove the expansion chamber, remove the header, clean the mating surfaces on the cylinder and header, replace the gasket (#11 on the diagram), install and torque fasteners & re-install the expansion chamber. Be careful not to damage the exhaust socket seal between the header & expansion chamber (#13 on the diagram).

You may want to let whoever does your annual maintenance to do it, depending on your mechanical ability.