[T3] Mufflers and Heat Exchangers

[J. Jonik]

Re/ previous postings about removing and re installing those 46 mm nuts from muffler to rear heat exchangers:
What if one managed to get the big nuts from new muffler screwed well into the old rear heat exchangers, and re-installed the muffler and all, but didn't think to put in the copper seal rings?
Would one be advised to do the horror job of taking it all apart just to install those rings?  Sad thing is, I had new copper rings right there in my collection of stuff...but, after a Long Time between muffler jobs, didn't know what they were.

What if remnants of the old copper seal rings were still in the heat exchangers?   I didn't scrape anything like that out, or see anything fall out.    Would that suffice to prevent whatever leakage?  Engine running...no hand-feel of any leakage at that juncture.   Would exhaust leakage be felt if there wasn't proper sealing?
Then, would that be just some harmless exhaust fumes down under the engine, out the back?  Any performance effects?
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