Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hotrodhomi · 09-29-2007, 07:32 PM

Today I removed my Ceramic Coated Hedmans and I am going to replace them with Corvette 2.5” ram horns. My question is, do I need a gasket for the ram horns? I’ve been using copper gaskets for my Hedmans and I haven’t had any problems. The directions say “no gaskets”, but that just one mans opinion. I want to know if that is the best method.

corn · 09-29-2007, 07:38 PM

Either way is fine with manifolds. Cant hurt, but I dont use them...

berencam · 09-29-2007, 07:39 PM

i dont really see a problem with using a gasket even if the directions dont want you too...wouldnt hurt anything imo. not a expert tho...

hotrodhomi · 09-29-2007, 07:42 PM

Should I use the copper gaskets or is that over kill?

BCOWANWHEELS · 09-29-2007, 07:46 PM

every engine i,ve dissasembled has exhaust gaskets. and i,am 53 yrs old. they come in every gasket kit i,ve ever bought also.
bob

berencam · 09-29-2007, 07:46 PM

i dont see why not.

jaros44sr · 09-29-2007, 07:48 PM

Dang, we must be doing the same thing, only 4 hours apart. I'm up to my intermediate mounts, hangers should be here tomorrow

Good question, I was wondering that myself. I'll let you find out, so I can follow

BCOWAN just said to use copper gaskets, he must have been typing at the same time

jeffspower · 09-29-2007, 07:51 PM

With new manifolds on head port surfaces that are not eroded, a gasketless installation will NEVER leak unless the bolts work loose or break. A gasket WILL eventually burn out. This isn't the case with all engines, but the SBC is almost fail- proof to run without gaskets.

woodridge · 09-29-2007, 08:20 PM

Small blocks came from the factory without gaskets. I always clean both surfaces and apply a thin coat of aviation permatex. Never had a problem.

herb101 · 09-29-2007, 08:25 PM

Wow - news to me! I have never seen one without the gaskets. Even my old International has a steel shim plate gasket (like an old head gasket).

Are we all talking about the cylinder head to manifold interface or the manifold to down pipe interface?

Herb

**jerry moss** · 09-29-2007, 08:28 PM

as long as the manifolds are surfaced flat, you don't use gaskets. i've been at the same muffler shop for over 22 years and we have the manifolds surfaced, clean the head and bolt them up metal to metal. as long as everything is clean and smooth it won't leak--ever.

Andy4639 · 09-29-2007, 08:32 PM

Never used them with the ram horns. I clean both sides of the mating surfaces and bolt them up.

herb101 · 09-29-2007, 08:37 PM

Hmm - I guess the carbon will build up fairly soon and fill in the minor gap between the freshly machined surfaces? I don't think I've ever had a manifold that was actually flat. They all seem to shrink a bit toward the center siamesed ports and twist a bit when they do.

Herb

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 09-29-2007, 09:28 PM

NO "GASKETS" here and this is a factory resto. on a 283 cu. using ram horns. As far as bolts backing off and causing leaks check out picture #2 and if you look close you will notice the factory "FRENCK LOCKS" installed. This prevents any leaks because of bolts backing off. They ended up being tossed in the garbage can over time. To bad as they do work!

I use Ultra Copper in place of conventional gaskets when installing "HEADERS", this stuff works great. A good set of gaskets cost upwards of $50.00 bucks, this stuff is $11.00 a tube or $6.50 good guy price and there is enough to do two or three sets of headers.

esll.

Oh yea forgot to mention .... Ultra Copper is a Chevy orange in color.

Truck Hippy · 09-29-2007, 09:29 PM

I have installed manifolds with and with out gaskets and I couldn't tell the difference. Use um if you got um, if not, forget um, lol.

jake60 · 09-29-2007, 09:42 PM

1950's small blocks came from the factory with exhaust gaskets but I don't think later small blocks came with them. I "think" if gaskets are used, there is less chance for the bolts to loosen however I don't always use gaskets and have never had any problems.

jaros44sr · 09-30-2007, 08:30 AM

Thanks ESLL, that was the other question I had. I was going to safety wire bolts, but the locks on bolt heads is a better way to go. I don't know why I didn't remember that

Sport/Truck · 09-30-2007, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

NO "GASKETS" here and this is a factory resto. on a 283 cu. using ram horns. As far as bolts backing off and causing leaks check out picture #2 and if you look close you will notice the factory "FRENCK LOCKS" installed. This prevents any leaks because of bolts backing off. They ended up being tossed in the garbage can over time. To bad as they do work!

I use Ultra Copper in place of conventional gaskets when installing "HEADERS", this stuff works great. A good set of gaskets cost upwards of $50.00 bucks, this stuff is $11.00 a tube or $6.50 good guy price and there is enough to do two or three sets of headers.

esll.

Oh yea forgot to mention .... Ultra Copper is a Chevy orange in color.

When I took mine off, they had those locks on it. I plan on reusing these and eliminating the heat riser stuff. Also, there was no gaskets on mine.
s/t

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 09-30-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

When I took mine off, they had those locks on it. I plan on reusing these and eliminating the heat riser stuff. Also, there was no gaskets on mine.
s/t

**********************************************************

Yea they were put there by the factory for a reason .... they work. Good chance your's were never removed until now. Is it the original block? Sounds like it could be! BTW nice looking truck.

esll.

Scott68-93-97 · 09-30-2007, 10:29 AM

Dont run em there is more chance of a leak when using them Ive never had good luck with gaskets on mainfolds, after a month one usually blows out or causes the bolts to loosen up

Sport/Truck · 09-30-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

**********************************************************

Yea they were put there by the factory for a reason .... they work. Good chance your's were never removed until now. Is it the original block? Sounds like it could be! BTW nice looking truck.

esll.

Thanks, yes all original high nickel block, 4 bolt main. I think the first thing that usually goes is the heat riser; it was a PITA to remove. So I doubt they put them back on.
s/t

Rokcrln · 09-30-2007, 10:54 AM

The old guy that I learned from used to use a thin coat of black wheel bearing grease on the manifolds before he bolted them up. He said it will burn right off but leave a slight build up in any small leaks and seal it up right off the bat. If the manifolds are surfaced than it should work out great with out gaskets. Also never use grade 8 bolts for manifolds, use only "Exhaust manifold bolts" besause they are designed with a certain amount of streach to help keep them tight.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Sport/Truck · 09-30-2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

The old guy that I learned from used to use a thin coat of black wheel bearing grease on the manifolds before he bolted them up. He said it will burn right off but leave a slight build up in any small leaks and seal it up right off the bat. If the manifolds are surfaced than it should work out great with out gaskets. Also never use grade 8 bolts for manifolds, use only "Exhaust manifold bolts" besause they are designed with a certain amount of streach to help keep them tight.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Good info...I need bolts too any good sources?
s/t

Rokcrln · 09-30-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Good info...I need bolts too any good sources?
s/t

Chevy?

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 09-30-2007, 11:45 AM

Another area that one should exersise extra care in is when you install your exhaust. Use brass nuts to secure exhaust studs that way it will be highly unlikely that you will break a stud or worse yet crack your manifold if you have a repair to make like replacing a donut ect. Notice that the brass nut is also longer then regular nuts. These can be perchased through any Corvette supplier along with a complete bolt kit if your favorite Truck parts supplier does not carry them.

esll.

09-29-2007, 07:32 PM	#1
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Today I removed my Ceramic Coated Hedmans and I am going to replace them with Corvette 2.5” ram horns. My question is, do I need a gasket for the ram horns? I’ve been using copper gaskets for my Hedmans and I haven’t had any problems. The directions say “no gaskets”, but that just one mans opinion. I want to know if that is the best method. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

09-29-2007, 07:39 PM	#3
berencam Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: branson mo Posts: 933	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? i dont really see a problem with using a gasket even if the directions dont want you too...wouldnt hurt anything imo. not a expert tho... __________________ 69 chevy c10 350 3 speed manual wood bed build thread here r.i.p. 70 c10 auto 350 build here

09-29-2007, 07:42 PM	#4
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Should I use the copper gaskets or is that over kill? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

09-29-2007, 07:46 PM	#5
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? every engine i,ve dissasembled has exhaust gaskets. and i,am 53 yrs old. they come in every gasket kit i,ve ever bought also. bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

09-29-2007, 07:46 PM	#6
berencam Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: branson mo Posts: 933	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? i dont see why not. __________________ 69 chevy c10 350 3 speed manual wood bed build thread here r.i.p. 70 c10 auto 350 build here

09-29-2007, 07:38 PM	#2
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Either way is fine with manifolds. Cant hurt, but I dont use them...

09-29-2007, 07:48 PM	#7
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Dang, we must be doing the same thing, only 4 hours apart. I'm up to my intermediate mounts, hangers should be here tomorrow Good question, I was wondering that myself. I'll let you find out, so I can follow BCOWAN just said to use copper gaskets, he must have been typing at the same time __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 09-29-2007 at 07:49 PM.

09-29-2007, 07:51 PM	#8
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? With new manifolds on head port surfaces that are not eroded, a gasketless installation will NEVER leak unless the bolts work loose or break. A gasket WILL eventually burn out. This isn't the case with all engines, but the SBC is almost fail- proof to run without gaskets. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

09-29-2007, 08:20 PM	#9
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Small blocks came from the factory without gaskets. I always clean both surfaces and apply a thin coat of aviation permatex. Never had a problem. __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet

09-29-2007, 08:25 PM	#10
herb101 Used Register Join Date: May 2005 Location: Live Oak, TX Posts: 379	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Wow - news to me! I have never seen one without the gaskets. Even my old International has a steel shim plate gasket (like an old head gasket). Are we all talking about the cylinder head to manifold interface or the manifold to down pipe interface? Herb

09-29-2007, 08:28 PM	#11
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,747	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? as long as the manifolds are surfaced flat, you don't use gaskets. i've been at the same muffler shop for over 22 years and we have the manifolds surfaced, clean the head and bolt them up metal to metal. as long as everything is clean and smooth it won't leak--ever. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

09-29-2007, 08:32 PM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Never used them with the ram horns. I clean both sides of the mating surfaces and bolt them up. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

09-29-2007, 08:37 PM	#13
herb101 Used Register Join Date: May 2005 Location: Live Oak, TX Posts: 379	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Hmm - I guess the carbon will build up fairly soon and fill in the minor gap between the freshly machined surfaces? I don't think I've ever had a manifold that was actually flat. They all seem to shrink a bit toward the center siamesed ports and twist a bit when they do. Herb

09-29-2007, 09:28 PM	#14
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? NO "GASKETS" here and this is a factory resto. on a 283 cu. using ram horns. As far as bolts backing off and causing leaks check out picture #2 and if you look close you will notice the factory "FRENCK LOCKS" installed. This prevents any leaks because of bolts backing off. They ended up being tossed in the garbage can over time. To bad as they do work! I use Ultra Copper in place of conventional gaskets when installing "HEADERS", this stuff works great. A good set of gaskets cost upwards of $50.00 bucks, this stuff is $11.00 a tube or $6.50 good guy price and there is enough to do two or three sets of headers. esll. Oh yea forgot to mention .... Ultra Copper is a Chevy orange in color. Attached Images __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member) Last edited by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE; 09-29-2007 at 10:01 PM.

09-29-2007, 09:29 PM	#15
Truck Hippy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Hickory, NC. Posts: 776	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? I have installed manifolds with and with out gaskets and I couldn't tell the difference. Use um if you got um, if not, forget um, lol.



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09-29-2007, 09:42 PM	#16
jake60 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buffalo Park Posts: 75	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? 1950's small blocks came from the factory with exhaust gaskets but I don't think later small blocks came with them. I "think" if gaskets are used, there is less chance for the bolts to loosen however I don't always use gaskets and have never had any problems. __________________ "Common sense is very uncommon" Rudyard Kipling

09-30-2007, 08:30 AM	#17
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Thanks ESLL, that was the other question I had. I was going to safety wire bolts, but the locks on bolt heads is a better way to go. I don't know why I didn't remember that __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

09-30-2007, 10:29 AM	#20
Scott68-93-97 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fair Oaks, CA Posts: 475	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Dont run em there is more chance of a leak when using them Ive never had good luck with gaskets on mainfolds, after a month one usually blows out or causes the bolts to loosen up __________________ 1968 Short Fleet 350/700r4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249435 1997 Bagged XtdCab Vortec350/4L60e http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post2286144 1993 XtdCab Longbed 4x4 6.5Turbo/NV4500 "Daily Driver" 1985 Toyota XtdCab 4x4 22re/W-56/Dual T-cases, Doug Thorley Header, Homebrew front and rear spring packs, Tons of Mods to suspension and drivetrain, 35" boggers, coming soon ARB's and 5.29's, Possible 4.3/700r4 swap

09-30-2007, 10:54 AM	#22
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? The old guy that I learned from used to use a thin coat of black wheel bearing grease on the manifolds before he bolted them up. He said it will burn right off but leave a slight build up in any small leaks and seal it up right off the bat. If the manifolds are surfaced than it should work out great with out gaskets. Also never use grade 8 bolts for manifolds, use only "Exhaust manifold bolts" besause they are designed with a certain amount of streach to help keep them tight. Kevin LFD Inc.

09-30-2007, 11:45 AM	#25
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: Do you use gaskets on your exhaust manifolds? Another area that one should exersise extra care in is when you install your exhaust. Use brass nuts to secure exhaust studs that way it will be highly unlikely that you will break a stud or worse yet crack your manifold if you have a repair to make like replacing a donut ect. Notice that the brass nut is also longer then regular nuts. These can be perchased through any Corvette supplier along with a complete bolt kit if your favorite Truck parts supplier does not carry them. esll. Attached Images __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member) Last edited by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE; 09-30-2007 at 12:12 PM.

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