Alright guys, i have an exhaust manifold leak on both sides of the engine. It will go a way after a while of driving, but I want to fix it. I was wanting to know what kind of gasket to use and where to get it? I am dreading doing this but it is getting worse.

Thanks

 

Whichever you use make sure to put in the new style stainless studs. The old style break and then it leaks like yours is doing.

 

Copper gaskets seem to work well.

 

There is an updated version of the manifold gaskets from the older ones. Older ones were not 3 ply like the ones now and also like above mentioned get new manifold studs also. One thing that I HIGHLY recommend is going out and getting a can of PB Blaster ( rust penetrant ) and soaking all of the manifold hardware liberally for awhile before you ever put a tool on them. One more helpfull tip is to take the wheel linings out. You dont have to but, it will give a little bit more comfort in there while your working.

 

Sounds like a man who has done a few of these too....

 

PB is good... also, if one just ain't turning... heat it up right around the bolt... that should break away the rust. If not and you break the bolt head off and now have a stud stuck in there don't drill... use a welder and weld another good bolt to the stud in there. The weld will seriously heat up the stuck stud and will give you a good bolt head to get it out... This way you don't have to retap since your threads will still be intact.

Now this is coming from a tech who's had to replace manifolds on a lot of 550 snow plow V10s...

 

one more tip. on the passengers side take the starter out. makes it easier to get the 2 rear studs out. unfortunately ive been down this road before also.

 

I've been screwed by this once before... the truck was so rusted that I actually snapped off a starter bolt in the bell housing...

 

never-seize is the best stuff out there. unfortunately noone thinks to put it on starter bolts. i put it on pretty much everything if not for me,the next guy that has to work on it.

 

That explains it - I must have the updated studs and gaskets - I just pulled mine and I had to wire wheel the hell out of the nuts just to get that 13mm socket on there.

I have a 98 - but new motor and heads in 2000 ,( all warranty work) .

Anyway, I must have received the updated studs and gaskets at that time because as nasty as they were on the outside , the studs spun right out of there no problem and It has the 3 or 4 layer stainless gaskets ..

I'm not sure if the studs are aluminum or stainless , never the less , they were pretty damn clean ..

 

we should just start a new site. www.exhauststudsupportgroup.com <<this aint real

 

Yeah really.

 

Can I get these gaskets from the dealership or is there an online site I can go to to get the studs and gaskets. BTW, BP Blaster is the best.

 

I dont know for sure if you can get that style of the updated gaskets from any other place then a dealer. I am not sure of the exact cost but I do know it isnt that much atall. I would call and check at your local dealer.