Front catalytic gaskets?

[Steelrides]

2006 TJ 4.0 6sp Rubicon
I have an exhaust leak from the flange joints between the two front catalytic converters and the exhaust manifold. I tried tightening the flanges but I can still feel and hear exhaust leaking. I managed to remove the 4 rusty flange bolts and get the joints apart, and it doesn’t look like there’s any kind of gasket here to replace. Is there supposed to be a donut gasket at this joint or is it just a steel-to-steel joint?
Thanks.

 

[MountaineerTom]

2006 TJ 4.0 6sp Rubicon
I have an exhaust leak from the flange joints between the two front catalytic converters and the exhaust manifold. I tried tightening the flanges but I can still feel and hear exhaust leaking. I managed to remove the 4 rusty flange bolts and get the joints apart, and it doesn’t look like there’s any kind of gasket here to replace. Is there supposed to be a donut gasket at this joint or is it just a steel-to-steel joint?
Thanks.

My ‘06 didn’t have them.

 

[JKP]

No gasket.

 

[Steelrides]

Ok, thanks. Guess I’ll just try to clean up the surfaces and put them back together. Maybe some new hardware will make it easier to tighten down.

 

[red02tj]

Having the same issue, did you fix yours?

 

[Steelrides]

I learned a lot about electrolysis cleaning of rusty parts. I removed all the fasteners but they’re pretty custom so I just cleaned the rust off them. Electrolysis is easy and awesome. Then I used a little fine sandpaper and some scotch brite to improve the finish and sealing surfaces before putting it all back together. it’s probably not 100% airtight, but it’s drastically improved. I have some big leaks in the exhaust manifold that I’ll fix this Fall by replacing the manifold, so that will make a big difference, too.

 

[TJ Jim]

I had a leak on mine and was able to tighten the bolts and fix the leak. At the same time I loosened the joint at the last cat/muffler and allowed it to adjust for a tighter fit. My pipe after the “y” was too close to the control arm and would rub and I believe loosening the muffler bolts helped.

 

[red02tj]

So unscrew, clean and put back together? Any mileage in getting a doughnut or using some high heat putty to seal it up?