Removing rust from exhaust

[johnhfx]

I just noticed that where the muffler bolts on to the bike is not tightened all the way (looks like a eight of a inch gap on one side) and I can feel air flow from around that area. Is this normal/OK? Does this have anything to do with how loud it is? Again thanks for all your help as I'm totally uneducated on these things.

After reading some post I also covered the exhaust hole with my finger at idle and bike did not cut out..

I've read there is some air movement in that area that a small amount of air is normal, and that there is a ring gasket (?)  so the small gap probably isn't a big deal? so I plugged the exhaust again and could see the smoke coming from where the pipe meets the silencer (I think that's what it's called, I apologize if I'm wrong). So at that point is that harmful to the bike? Thanks again.

[johnhfx]

Took the decals off on one side,  went pretty easy.  Heat gun and goo b gone and some rags. 

[Raizer]

It should be sealed between the pipe and silencer.
I used a smear of exhaust sealant between them on my pipe.

[johnhfx]

Thanks raizer,

I pick some up today and a few small washers, I'm going to take it apart tomorrow and see what I can do.