Exhaust re/assembly

[balimatharu]

Help.
I am trying to reassemble the stainless steel exhaust system on my RHD 250sl.
This exhaust came with the car and poorly fitted by the last owner. Most of the joints were leaking. The system is in good shape except where the clamps were fitted wrongly and had made dips as the the pipes were not fully pushed in. I managed to repair these areas.
My question is : what’s the right sequence to start assembling. I have purchased a comprehensive assembly kit from Niemoeller.
The whole system in pieces not welded.
Starting from the down pipes whether they should be first bolted to the manifold.
Anyone with patience.
Bali

[ja17]

Install the entire system loosely. get the clearances correct, hung correctly and then tighten everything up.

[balimatharu]

Joe, thanks for a quick reply. I will be using some sort of joint sealant. Won’t the sealant dry up before I start tightening up.
Which is a good sealant.
Thanks
Bali

[jeffc280sl]

i think the most important connection is between the middle muffler and the pipes that connect the rear muffler.  in the time valve stainless system this joint is welded in a jig which sets the angles perfectly.  if this joint comes loose the middle muffler will drop down.  it will scrape on speed bumps and look bad.  if you get this joint wrong the rear muffler can become twisted and the rear exhaust tips will not be level.  joe is always correct in his advice.  i suggest you set the system up where it needs to be and then have this important joint welded.  i know this from experience with my first SL in the 70's.  good luck