I replaced my engine a while back with a long block and it came with a full gasket set. I installed exhaust manifold gaskets not thinking twice.

The shop told me I have some exhaust leaks and that the 7.3 don't require exhaust manifold gaskets.

I removed the manifolds and didn't see any signs of leaking from the gaskets. The up pipes to the collector way different story. Replacing them with the bellowed IH pipes.

Question is should I reinstall exhaust manifold gaskets or just have the machine shop true up my manifolds and install them right to the head?

 

Either way honestly, gaskets are not required, and usually are the cause of more leaks in time. But if you have good luck it doesn't necessarily hurt, I've never used gaskets on any of the motors I've done.

 

Thanks for the response. I guess I will skip them then. Ford doesn't use them and it just seems to add a failure point.

 

If it can at all be avoided, shy away from the gaskets.
Much better to have the manifolds skimmed on a mill.
In many cases, even that is unnecessary.

If you have not already bought a set of ih uppies..
Have you looked at the dorman pipes?
They are 200$ cheaper and after installing quite a few sets of them, i wish i had known about their existence when i bought my ih bellowed uppies from Riffraff. I have no issues with them and recommend them to my "patients".

 

Thanks. My manifolds are at the shop now getting checked. I already paid the big bucks for the powder coated ones from riffraff. Hopefully only have to do this job one.

 

This. I replace all hardware with ford bolts no coated crap never have bolt removal issues...

 

The manifolds are back on with no gaskets. The IH pipes came with some hardware and I bought ford bolts for the manifolds to the head. I hope to never take this off again but if I do I don't expect any stubborn or broken bolts.

Now I have to fit this band clamp for my down pipe. I have the banks power elbow and it really makes this tight.

 

something doesn't look right. either I didn't clean the heads as good as I thought or the machinist didn't do a very good job.

Looks like they are leaking.





Sorry about the poor image quality its night and using a flashlight and a cell phone. I am not too concerned with the oil as this is just what I couldn't get out by hand turning the motor after replacing the injectors and checking the glow plugs. But if oil is pushing through then so is exhaust.

 

Man, that suks. I was worried about the oil until you replied post injector replacement.

I have a set of manifolds that I had surfaced. I put them on a true flat surface at work and I'm not 100% confident they won't leak. I have the Ford gaskets and will more than likely be using them when the time comes.

You torque them to spec? I have read some folks add a little when doing these.

 

I did torque to spec. Might add a quarter turn to see if it helps.

 

has anyone tried using black RTV silicone instead of the gasket material? I use the RTV on my racecar headers (IMCA style modified) and never have to worry about a leak or the bolts coming loose.