Exhaust manifold gaskets.


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By dodg66440 - 11 Years Ago
I just removed the exhaust manifolds from the 312 in my 56. There were'nt any gaskets. Should I use gaskets on reassembly or just clean it up and go metal to metal?
By NoShortcuts - 11 Years Ago
This has been discussed at length in previous threads.  Unfortunately, I'm not able to pull that reference up for you at this moment.

Ford did not use gaskets when the engines were originally built.  Most every replacement gasket set for y-blocks has exhaust manifold gaskets.

IF you have FoMoCo cast iron exhaust manifolds, do not use exhaust manifold gaskets with the FoMoCo cast iron cylinder heads.  When used, exhaust manifold gaskets reduce the heat transfer between the cylinder heads and the cast iron exhaust manifolds resulting in an increase in the likelihood that a crack will develop in the exhaust manifold.  Exhaust manifold cracks in the 'ears' that secure the manifold to the cylinder head seem to be the most common.

The often recommended 'sealer' for exhaust manifolds to cylinder heads is graphite grease.  Some have mentioned the use of an RTV sealant, but I can't speak to that.

IF you search the Forum Archive, I'm sure that you can find recent threads on the subject of exhaust manifold gaskets.  Hope this helps.  Smile 
 
By oldave57 - 11 Years Ago
I had issues with my 57 Fairlane 500 (292 engine) with a cracked manifold on the dirver's side several years ago. I re-installed a used manifold using a gasket (the cracked manifold and the opposite side both had gaskets). I had the engine completely rebuilt about 3 years ago (rebored .030 over, new cam, reground crank, etc). When I picked up the engine from the machine shop, the manager of the shop who was very good on old Ford engines, told me that if I wanted to avoid cracked exhaust manifolds, do NOT use gaskets. I installed the exhaust manifolds with no gaskets and they have held tight for the past 3 years with no noticeable leaks (I did recheck the torque from time to time, with no loss in the torque noticed).

I would say from my experience that the gaskets are not necessary and would recommend leaving them off.

Regards,
Dave
By 2721955meteor - 11 Years Ago
the metal to metal will work if manifolds ar new and head has bin surfaced. my preference has bin to use the gaskets and use hardened washers with grade 8 caps crews. buy the hardened flat washers from a cat dealer or simler hd co. most w manifolds heav only 1 , some 2 3/8 holes, rest are over size. they crack as the cheapy washers cave with heat and  time.just pulled a truck 292 apart withe high miles, not 1 loos bolt,gasket still ok, every bolt had a good hardened washer(single exhaust withe crossover pipe