Exhaust Manifold Leak

[Guest]

Well I was hoping it was a donut gasket leaking but I found it is the Manifold gasket leaking I think I will wait until this winter to fix,but is there any suggestions on the best way to do this so I won't bust any bolts off in the heads, and what will be the best gaskets to use when I put it back together

[Guest]

Hey Bob,
Had the same problem on Christine. Sprayed penetrating oil (none flammable) on bolts, drive her, bring her home and spray some more on there. I done this for several days before trying to remove bolts. Got new manifold gaskets and talk with older gentleman that has a lot of experience with old cars. He told me make sure manifold and heads are plane. Since they were run hot and leaking there was a chance they were warped. I thought about it for a while and took them apart, took framing square and ran across them to check to see if the were plane. They were. I got new bolts and lock washers. Install gasket and snug bolts. Ran her till she got hot and let her cool off and retighten bolts. Left her sit for a few days and done it again. So far no leaks, only thing is she is to quite now!!!
Richard D. Hord

[YellowRose]

Exhaust Manifold Leak

The problem of exhaust manifold leaks has been talked about so much in the past. I did a quick search and found this. Here are some suggestions as to what to buy in the way of good gaskets..

http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5130&highlight=manifold+leaks

[tarps3]

I've used copper gaskets on any 352's and 390's I've owned and they seem to work well.

Several places carry them:
JC Whitney, Summit, etc.

About $25 a pair if I remember correctly.

[Guest]

Thanks guys for the info i will get things ready for this fall
Bob

[scumdog]

I don't use gaskets - just that clay type goo that bakes hard.

[Dan Leavens]

I would agree with Casey that copper gaskets work out just fine.

[scumdog]

CRC MANISEAL is what I use for all exhaust gaskets/seals.

[Guest]

Well HECK
I have been soaking all the bolts for days and then I heated each one with a Tourch got it good and hot all the bolts out but the last one and it twisted off. So now I must take the Head off and drill it out it is the top front and there is no room to drill it out on the car,well now I can see what the heads look like.

[Guest]

Hey Bob,
Do you have or do you know someone who might have a angle drill?
Richard D. Hord

[Guest]

Got her tore down the inside is clean as a pin but twisted off 4 exhaust manifold bolts and this was after we had heated them with a tourch hoping to losen them up, My good friend used his cutting torch and cut the center of the bolt out and them retapped the same threads back so I can use the same size bolts,Just a few picturesand the best on is my instructor getting me a wrench she is my #3 Great Grandaughter. Will let you know if she runs when I get her back together.

[simplyconnected]

My sympathies regarding the exh. bolts. They're always the most problem, aren't they?

Bob, are you changing your timing chain? If I might be bold, let me suggest a good True Roller Chain set for this great engine. I agree, it does look clean.

Your Mechanic Apprentice is no fool, she's going after the BIG wrenches for G Grandpa.

[Guest]

Hey Bob,
Looks great! Keep us posted and get that grandbaby a Thunderbird A.S.A.P.
Richard D. Hord

[trim code 76]

Hello,
Been there, done that, as has most of everyone with a 352!! I twisted 3 off. I was told by NUMERIOUS very eperienced engine builders.....DO NOT USE ANY GASKETS! Just mill both sides and bolt them back on. This way there is NO material between the metals. the heat moves across both surfaces smoothly and evenly preventing any warpage. With a gasket, there is a brake between the two surfaces and if it loosens up on one spot or if the gasket starts to go, then that is where they warp. I have no gasket on the side I had to replace, no complaints!
Good luck, I have to do the other side this winter!