323steel36

Ok so from the look of it seems that my exhaust manifold gaskets are blown. Before I start tearing things down, I would like to know all the items I would need to do the job right. What gaskets do I use, do I buy new exhaust manifold bolts and which ones etc..... Any help is appreciated =D!

323steel36

Any help?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Stock and torque the manifolds bolts from the inside out.

323steel36

[QUOTE=SS RRR;16428036]Stock and torque the manifolds bolts from the inside out.[/QUOTE.

I want to make sure I don't have to do the job again so what would be the best safe bet for gasket? Stock gasket or aftermarket? Are stock gaskets metal or cardboard material? How bout the bolts, which ones should I get without having problems? I don't want to use the original ones, they look pretty old to me. Especially when the car is a 93 XD.

vetteboy99

The one's from autozone. Replacing exhaust manifold gaskets is easier than changing you oil.

/End thread.

gjohnsonws6

iTrader: (12)

Is it really leaking? Carbon marks? I would start soaking the bolts with a good penetrating oil a few days before hand. Why not put headers on it ?

Rob

iTrader: (6)

I'd use stock gaskets and call it done.

323steel36

Yeah its leaking, plus it makes this annoying *** voice in the morning during startup. I also checked my rocker arms and they are nice and firm! Pretty sure its an exhaust leak. On the pic above me, the exhaust manifold gasket is torn. Stupid CA smog rules that's why and I want to avoid paying big bucks to pay under the table to get it to pass smog if I put headers on. Plus I wouldn't pay 400+ for shorty headers. Will do, is WD-40 good or anything better?

323steel36

Yeah if they worked for so many years why not right =)?

323steel36

I hope so, first time doing it, we will see how that goes XD!

323steel36

Any advice on what exhaust manifold bolts I should buy for stock exhaust manifolds?

madhatter

I just sold a set of Edelbrock shorties for $100. The deals are out there if you want to stay legal.

As far as gaskets, just pick up a set of them from the dealer or some FelPros. Either one will work just fine.

BadBirdie

felpro 1406 fixed my header leak

gjohnsonws6

iTrader: (12)

Pb blaster, liquid wrench, zep 45 all work good. If you are staying stock get some from the dealer. If the bolts are ok you can just wire wheel them. I would get the bolts at the dealer too, I know they are probably not going to be the cheapest but that is just what I would use. Check the manifolds for cracks too. **** ca smog, how often is the check, once a year?

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Stock gaskets are steal. Come to think of it, it may be a good idea to use a paper/steal core gasket. Reason being is a paper gasket is used mostly for surfaces that are known to be uneven. Stock manifolds have a true surface that mates to the head therefore steal gaskets will have no problem sealing. IIRC LT4 exhaust manifolds used no gaskets? Since the manifolds are this old, they may not be even anymore, which may have caused your blowout. IMO I think you should try a Fel-Pro 1406 or equivalent paper/steal core gasket. ARP bolts work well.

FAD2BLK93

On a motor with this many heat cycles on it you REALLY REALLY run the risk of snapping the bolts off inside the head. Which is not uncommon, then u will be posting another thread on how to do the teardown and fix...i will be watching for it. Good luck.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

What part of these posts did you miss?

30696bird

iTrader: (4)

He probably meant while breaking the bolts loose. Someone suggested soaking the bolts a few days ahead of time. I like to use PB blaster.

323steel36

Then in that case I would've of bought some =).

323steel36

Every 2 Years, but the price you pay is an arm and a leg when they want you to make it pass under the table. Right I was thinking the same thing, the original bolts should work fine.