454 exhaust gasket - what works???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jim85IROC · 03-08-2006, 11:48 PM

My exhaust manifold gasket developed a nasty leak this fall. I finally got fed up, and rather than screw with it for an entire weekend, I sent it to my trusty mechanic, who put in a new Napa exhaust manifold gasket. Nice and quiet. For a month.

Now it's leaking again. I've got the other gasket, but I don't really see much point in going through all that work to get another month out of it.

A buddy of mine suggested a copper manifold gasket. They seem to work well with headers, but I've never talked to somebody that's used them with stock manifolds. Is a copper gasket going to be an improvement over a stock style, or is there something better out there?

This is a 100% stock tbi 454 except that it's got dual exhaust. It still has the stock manifolds though.

Thanks.

Chevrolet4x4s · 03-09-2006, 09:08 PM

If your talking about the exhaust doughnut I have a metal one on mine (smallblock).......still leaks but the pipe may be flared incorrectly as it eats normal doughnuts(exhaust ones that is) about a week for the last one.But i have heard good things about the metal doughnuts.
Shane

Jim85IROC · 03-10-2006, 10:26 AM

Thanks, but I'm talking about the exhaust manifold gasket between the head and the exhaust manifold.

Jonboy · 03-10-2006, 10:54 AM

I don't see why it wouldn't work.

jr2 · 03-10-2006, 12:51 PM

Make sure that your manifold is not warped. If it had been leaking for any long period of time it may have been. You may need to have it surfaced. If it's continually blowing gaskets it could be. You can take it off and place it on a flat surface gasket side down. You'll be able to see if it's warped.

Chevrolet4x4s · 03-10-2006, 06:47 PM

OOOH You usually dont have any problems with those just put it on and torque it

jr2 · 03-10-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevrolet4x4s

OOOH You usually dont have any problems with those just put it on and torque it

If the mating surface is not flat you will be torquing down to no avail as the force of the warped manifold will eventually win out. Hence your continuous leaks after short periods. But hey.. Keep replacing the gaskets if it works for you.

rtsmith · 03-10-2006, 08:42 PM

Found a trick with the paper style exhaust gaskets, soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours then install them this causes the gasket to conform to the two surfaces has worked on a nasty set of leaky black jack headers on a 383 I raced.

SSC's76 · 03-10-2006, 11:49 PM

I only use header gaskets on BBC manifolds reguardless if they have headers or stock manifolds. After having a few very tight fit motorhomes blow stock gaskets it forced me to give up on the OEM stuff. I usually go for the Mr Gasket Ultra gaskets. They seem to hold up fine with just enough squish to seal minor imperfections. One motorhome blew 3 stock gaskets in 4 months, switched to the header gasket and it hasent leaked in 2 years.

ureckme · 03-10-2006, 11:56 PM

Have your manifold checked, it's not going to hold any gasket. have it re-sufaced

Jim85IROC · 03-11-2006, 12:15 AM

Thanks guys. I'll check out the manifold next time I pull it off, and I'll give the Mr. Gasket Ultras a try. I've heard so many motor home horror stories, that I somehow doubt that my problem is unique.

Chevrolet4x4s · 03-12-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr2

If the mating surface is not flat you will be torquing down to no avail as the force of the warped manifold will eventually win out. Hence your continuous leaks after short periods. But hey.. Keep replacing the gaskets if it works for you.

Dont have metal gasgets have just heard that thats prettymuch all their is to them,I don't have problems with the exhaust manafold gaskets just the doughnuts

Shane

MylilBowTie · 03-13-2006, 12:59 AM

Dont soak your gaskets in water it will only ruin them.

03-08-2006, 11:48 PM	#1
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	454 exhaust gasket - what works???? My exhaust manifold gasket developed a nasty leak this fall. I finally got fed up, and rather than screw with it for an entire weekend, I sent it to my trusty mechanic, who put in a new Napa exhaust manifold gasket. Nice and quiet. For a month. Now it's leaking again. I've got the other gasket, but I don't really see much point in going through all that work to get another month out of it. A buddy of mine suggested a copper manifold gasket. They seem to work well with headers, but I've never talked to somebody that's used them with stock manifolds. Is a copper gasket going to be an improvement over a stock style, or is there something better out there? This is a 100% stock tbi 454 except that it's got dual exhaust. It still has the stock manifolds though. Thanks. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page

03-09-2006, 09:08 PM	#2
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? If your talking about the exhaust doughnut I have a metal one on mine (smallblock).......still leaks but the pipe may be flared incorrectly as it eats normal doughnuts(exhaust ones that is) about a week for the last one.But i have heard good things about the metal doughnuts. Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

03-10-2006, 10:26 AM	#3
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Thanks, but I'm talking about the exhaust manifold gasket between the head and the exhaust manifold. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page Last edited by Jim85IROC; 03-10-2006 at 10:26 AM.

03-10-2006, 10:54 AM	#4
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? I don't see why it wouldn't work. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

03-10-2006, 12:51 PM	#5
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Make sure that your manifold is not warped. If it had been leaking for any long period of time it may have been. You may need to have it surfaced. If it's continually blowing gaskets it could be. You can take it off and place it on a flat surface gasket side down. You'll be able to see if it's warped. __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others...

03-10-2006, 06:47 PM	#6
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? OOOH You usually dont have any problems with those just put it on and torque it __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

03-10-2006, 08:42 PM	#8
rtsmith Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: york pa. Posts: 46	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Found a trick with the paper style exhaust gaskets, soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours then install them this causes the gasket to conform to the two surfaces has worked on a nasty set of leaky black jack headers on a 383 I raced.

03-10-2006, 11:49 PM	#9
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? I only use header gaskets on BBC manifolds reguardless if they have headers or stock manifolds. After having a few very tight fit motorhomes blow stock gaskets it forced me to give up on the OEM stuff. I usually go for the Mr Gasket Ultra gaskets. They seem to hold up fine with just enough squish to seal minor imperfections. One motorhome blew 3 stock gaskets in 4 months, switched to the header gasket and it hasent leaked in 2 years. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

03-10-2006, 11:56 PM	#10
ureckme ureckmefixit2@cox.net Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mesa AZ. (Phoenix) Posts: 1,284	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Have your manifold checked, it's not going to hold any gasket. have it re-sufaced __________________ That's U RECK ME FIX it 2 74 Chevy Short Bed 355ci Sportsman II 64cc Angle Plug Crower Custom Grind .462in .486ex Dyno Test 422hp @ 5600 And it's got a Holley 3.73 Gears 12 Bolt 3.73 w/Posi 700R4 Going In I'm a Body Man So There! That's why it's not painted

03-11-2006, 12:15 AM	#11
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Thanks guys. I'll check out the manifold next time I pull it off, and I'll give the Mr. Gasket Ultras a try. I've heard so many motor home horror stories, that I somehow doubt that my problem is unique. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page

03-13-2006, 12:59 AM	#13
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: 454 exhaust gasket - what works???? Dont soak your gaskets in water it will only ruin them. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

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