Today I was getting everything out of the way to remove the oil cooler to fix it up when I noticed soot all around the the top of the oil filter housing. I think its coming from the end of the exhaust manifold nearest the oil filter. Is it hard to replace the gasket and how many bolts can I expect to break off? Thanks!!

 

I don't think there are gaskets Glenn. IIRC the best thing to do when its gets bad is to pull the manifold and have it machined.

 

I think Pete is right, no gaskets. I'd spend a week or so spraying them down with some PB blaster or something and run it through some heat cycles before I tried to loosen them.

Maybe a guy wants to machine the manifold and include a gasket when you fix it?? I'm not sure on that one.

 

U are correct. They are a metal to metal connection.

 

I would invest in a can of Aero Kroil if you're going to tackle this problem. It's the best penetrating lubricant I have ever seen. It's hard to find a store that sells it so you might have to buy it online.

 

They do make a gasket but i think I remember reading that they don't hold up

 

I was just gunna say the same thing Mike!
I had my driver's side manifold blowout and there was soot ring around the front.
Went to the shop... they showed me the old n new part.
so there has to be some sort of gasket..

 

Fel-Pro MS93489 - Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

I had a similar problem on one of my trucks and it happened to be the manifold bolts were not torqued. I retorqued them and kept a close eye on them over the next few months and the problem did not re appear. I did not have a gasket on my manifolds and they held fine once torqued.

 

Aero kroil is amazing. We use it all the time at work and it has gotten stuff loose that I would never imagine.

 

Ordered some Aerokkroil, local places didn't carry it. I think I'll soak it with PB until this stuff arrives and then just try to re-torque them and see how that goes. Interesting about no gaskets!

 

Glenn I'm starting to think your exhaust system doesn't like you

 

Ya, it blows hot air just like I do! As long as its not warped like I am, LOL

 

 

That's funny now I see why you and George get alone so well. Lol