Quick question I need help guys!
 

So I just got my ark dt-s exhaust and the box was beat to hell. It had holes everywhere. I took out the exhaust from the box, which was wrapped and had no padding, and noticed there was something missing. The box only came w/ the exhaust and a bag filled with bolts, washers, and nuts. NO GASKETS. Now on the ark website it says that it's suppose to come w/ everything (gaskets, bolts, hardware, and installation kit) but obviously mine didnt have half of that. What do I do?!?! Q1.) Do I go to autozone and check to see if they have some gaskets? Q2.) Contact the vendor that sold me the exhaust? Q3.) Can I use the old gaskets? I kinda wanted to install it today but idk if that's even gonna happen...any help is much appreciated.

I'm sure you can find what you need to install the exhaust today if it's just the gaskets that are missing, but I'd call the vendor.

Thanks for the reply! But do I need certain kind of gaskets? I know the piping diameter is 2.5 inches but is that all I tell the autoshop? Is there anything else I need to get for the install?

First off, if you receive a shipment with obvious damage, make a note on the shipper's paperwork or refuse delivery. If it was dropped at your door without requiring a signature, report to the shipper immediately. Then report to the seller.

Contact the company you purchased the exhaust from and tell them what happened. Most places will send replacements.

If you can't tell which gaskets you need by looking at the flanges, call the manufacturer or seller and ask.

You can just use high temp rtv if you can't find gaskets locally.

Thanks man. I already contacted the vendor about the missing parts but I doubt the missing parts are due to the holes :/ can I get the gaskets anywhere else?

A tube of high temp rtv from autozone will solve your problem.

What's high temp rtv?

Will that work just as well as the gasket?

Its silicone. There's a few types depending on temperatures. You run a bead around the flange, partially tighten it, wait a little while and tighten it down. It'll work just as well as a gasket if you get the right temp and follow the directions.

Will I run the risk of getting an exhaust leak if I don't do it right??

A friend of mine said I can use the old gaskets. Is this true?

You'll have a greater risk of a leak with the old gasket than the silicone. It's easy. It goes on like caulk. It's hard to mess up. Just read the instructions on the tube. Try it that way while the vendor gets you gaskets. If there's a leak, peel off the silicone and use the new gaskets.

You run the risk of an exhaust leak if you install a gasket improperly. ;) Follow Chuck33079's procedure for high-temperature RTV and you shouldn't have a leak.

And how long will those last?

If you do it right, it won't need to be replaced. You're just making a silicone gasket rather than metal.

I'm taking it to a shop to have it installed. Should I attempt to do this or should I just wait for the gaskets to come in? That's even if the vendor will send me the damn things.

Just roll it up on some ramps and do it yourself. It's a cat back. If you can change your oil successfully you can do this. When you're buying rtv, buy some ramps and some pb blaster. Now you've got everything you need for less than you would have paid the shop.

As a rule-of-thumb, a gasket shouldn't be re-used once it has been compressed. Gaskets are cheap - get new ones.

If your used gaskets are in good shape (no cracks/separations/wrinkles/&c), you may be able to use them again. If you re-use the gaskets, I suggest putting some high-temp RTV (or other sealant) on both sides of the gasket to seal invisible cracks. Gaskets are cheap - get new ones.

The vendor shouldn't charge me for sending me the gaskets right?

If they come with the kit normally, then no they shouldn't charge you for the missing parts and ship them out on their own dime.

You already paid for them when you bought the exhaust.

True