730 Muffler to exhaust pipe seal

I am restoring a 730D. My question is where the muffler slides over the exhaust pipe should there be a seal of some type. Like a washer that is used on automotive applications between the manifold and the exhaust pipe. The tractor was very sooty under the hood when I started and I would prefer for it not to have it return to that state.

I have included a picture of where I am at on the process, I have taken better pictures. It has new tires all the way around, new seat, new battery box, new bushings in the seat suspension, new steering wheel/center cap, new grill screens, Jordes decals and new front emblem. Striped tin work and wheels of all paint, worked all the dents out, primed it with high dollar primer and painted it with JD Synthetic Enamel with NAPA 8010 hardener. Reworked the wiring to good as new or better, built up the steering shaft and replaced bushings. Replaced bushings in clutch lever and replace all the pins in the clutch mechanism. It is looking pretty good I just need to finish some odd things like paint the axels, finish putting decals on and touch up some minor flaws in the paint. I would like to get some fenders for it but I need to stay married so I better not spend any more on it at this time. I would hate to have all this hard work covered in black soot so if someone can help me out with the muffler seal I would appreciate it.

That is one gorgeous tractor. A while back when someone asked about people's favorite style of J.D. I was surprised that not many said the 30 series. How can anyone favor those ugly unstyled over a 30 series. Of course they have to have the narrow front to really look good. 730's are the best looking tractor Deere ever made, and the 20 series are not far behind. As far as the exhaust, no Deere never had anything to plug that space and they do get black and sooty under the hood. I don't see why an appropriate sized exhaust doughnut wouldn't work to seal the exhaust. If you find one that will work, let us know.

Poor Farm Jim

I would clean the area, and use High-Temp Orange Silicone Sealer around the pipes, and where the muffler joins the mounting area....it will stand the heat..... I use it in the same area, on my 60...