Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

[John L.]

Can someone recommend a good sealer that can be used instead of gaskets for an exhaust manifold ?? Also has anyone tried cutting an exhaust manifold gasket to fit the shape of the exhaust manifold flanges so it didnt look too bad ?? Last can someone recommend a good brand of exhaust manifold gasket ??

I would really prefer to use a good sealer as opposed to the gaskets however I dont know of one.

thanks

[John M.]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

John,
If the surfaces of the manifold are straight, there should be no need for either. I have never had an exhaust manifold that has not sealed up tight with nothing on it. The factory used nothing and they built many thousands of cars this way.

Regards, John McGraw

[Mike M.]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

Take the exhaust manifolds to the local machine shop and they can surface them so you won't need gaskets if your intent is to have the car judged. if its a driver, gaskets easiest fix. know of no sealers that will withstand the heat. mike

[John L.]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

I already had the manifolds cut by a machine shop. The problem is I have oil in the exhaust ports and it is blowing out the manifold. The engine is coming apart to find and fix the problem after the show season is over. I am only trying to get through the remainder of the show season. The problem could be angles at the intake manifod or bad seals or guides. Engine (427) only has 3000 miles on it. Car has already been top flighted.

[John M.]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

John,
Just a thought here. I have seen some of the repro manifold bolts that are a shade too long and bottom out in the hole just as the manifold is starting to snug up. You might try putting a spacer under the bolts and see if they tighten up better. The only place where I have seen this problem in on the center two bolt holes.

Regards, John McGraw

[John L.]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

John

Good thought. I didnt think of this although I have run into it before. Especially since the manifolds were also recently cut down.

thanks

john lolli

[John A. Salce(# 21388)]

Re: Sealer vs Gasket on Exhaust Manifolds

I have read the responses to your question and have an alternative option that may work for you. Look in your area for a "Machine Shop" (not an automotive machine shop) and ask them if they have (or know of someone who has) a "Lapping" machine. I have several at my company and what they do is use an abrasive compound to "wear" down a surface so it is flat, and I mean flat! As long as the surface of the manifold can be placed flat on a table without any other part of the manifold keeping it from resting on the surface needing Lapping you can get this done. It is a simple process (can be held by hand) and at the most should take 15 minutes or so for each one. I will guarantee you will not have any leaks after this, unless the head is way off.

One last thing. I just had an incident with my bike where the valve seal spring came off and I was getting oil in my pipes. Check your valve seals before you go too far to be sure this is not all it is. It would only take 1 on each side for you to get oil in the exhaust. John