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No Need for Exhaust Manifold Gasket?

Chief Brody

Chief Brody

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My new manifolds say "for optimum sealing the manufacturer recommends NOT using a gasket".

Just doesn't seem right...anybody here not use exhaust manifold gaskets?
 
I have removed many SBC exhaust manifolds and saw no gaskets,presumably from the factory..and I've bolted them back on without any and had no leaks,or very slight "ticks" until the engine warmed up fully....seems every time I used those Fel-Pro exhaust manifold gaskets they blew out and leaked after a short time,usually the bolts loosened up too,which may have caused it....I usually use no gaskets on stock manifolds,but have too on headers,and the copper ones are the best,if you hate changing them often..the Fel-Pro steel embossed/asbestos ones usually burn up on headers quickly and leak...
 
I have read that if you use no gasket that you need to use some "black grease" and torque the bolts in order...what kind of grease is that?
 
never a 1 problem with the shiny foil covered felpro ones .

cheep trick is 2 sets of them per side for sealing headers to head.
 
From the factory if the heads are iron they DO NOT use gaskets. If installing a new manifold I would not use a gasket but if reusing an old manifold without having it resurfaced first then you should run a gasket.
 
4X4HIGH said:
From the factory if the heads are iron they DO NOT use gaskets. If installing a new manifold I would not use a gasket but if reusing an old manifold without having it resurfaced first then you should run a gasket.
Click to expand...

On my old 350. I am guessing that the heads are iron? But the heads have not been milled...the manifolds may be new but what about the heads exhaust ports...will they be straight enough?
 
Ive done replaced mine with a new set, and original heads, with no gaskets and no issues. I did have a set that would not seal, didnt machine, and used earls header gaskets and they never blew out.
 
Time after time the manifold gaskets blow out, try using the high temp copper silicone. The last time I put on manifolds I used that and they are still quiet.

You have to do it like that package says though. Put on a bead then finger tighten to the head surface, squeeze a little but not all the way, then let it set up for ~20min then torque. It will seal great and last. Mine are still going ~2yrs
 
I always use those cheapo paper gaskets with the steel on one side from the parts stores, never had an issue with them, or bolts coming loose, I even have them installed on the Burb with headers, again, never any problems.
 
I have used high temp copper on all my headers and manifolds for a long time. Not one has leaked.
 
sweetk30 said:
never a 1 problem with the shiny foil covered felpro ones .

cheep trick is 2 sets of them per side for sealing headers to head.
Click to expand...

I always had awesome luck with the felpro ones too.

Ive also re-used old manifolds without gaskets with no problems as well.
 
If they will seal without anything, there is nothing to burn up and cause a leak...I may try it without anything...
 
Listen to 4x4High. Your new manifolds are probably flat and so no gasket is needed, but check them anyway with a straight edge. I wouldn't put silicone anywhere near them either.
 
I'm calling bunk on this WHOLE thread.. everyone here is wrong...
 
I triple bunk dare ya.... a quality replacement gasket properly installed... no more, no less...
 
ryoken said:
I triple bunk dare ya.... a quality replacement gasket properly installed... no more, no less...
Click to expand...

exhaust manifold gaskets aren't the hardest in the world to replace anyway...are they?
 
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