gaskets or not?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
gaskets or not?
I'm getting ready to put my 5.8 motor together. I was wondering what other experiences were.
I'm tossing back and forth the idea of no gaskets on the new manifolds mated to new cast iron heads. I've read that with no gasket theres nothing to leak. I did it once on the same set up but unfortunately 5000 miles after a ground up restoration of a 93 f250 someone crossed the double yellow and it was totaled so I have no way to judge the long outcome.
So my question is gaskets or not.
Thanks Steve
I'm tossing back and forth the idea of no gaskets on the new manifolds mated to new cast iron heads. I've read that with no gasket theres nothing to leak. I did it once on the same set up but unfortunately 5000 miles after a ground up restoration of a 93 f250 someone crossed the double yellow and it was totaled so I have no way to judge the long outcome.
So my question is gaskets or not.
Thanks Steve
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
Gaskets on manifolds
Ford does not use gaskets between the exhaust manifolds and cast iron heads. A bit of graphite grease was used in the old days.
I haven't had any leaking issues even with decades old engines.
It is important to insure the manifold surface is in good condition however, so if there is pitting etc. the surfaces should be refaced.
The disadvantages of gaskets are that it is possible to break off the "ears" of the manifold flanges from overtightening, and if the gaskets fail over the years the urge is to tighten them up. Unfortunately the parts of the gaskets under the ears often disintegrate, so that when the bolts are tightened the ears are forced to bend, which of course doesn't work with cast iron.
Also, with the gaskets it is much more likely that the iron surfaces start to corrode as they get exposed to the air.
I haven't had any leaking issues even with decades old engines.
It is important to insure the manifold surface is in good condition however, so if there is pitting etc. the surfaces should be refaced.
The disadvantages of gaskets are that it is possible to break off the "ears" of the manifold flanges from overtightening, and if the gaskets fail over the years the urge is to tighten them up. Unfortunately the parts of the gaskets under the ears often disintegrate, so that when the bolts are tightened the ears are forced to bend, which of course doesn't work with cast iron.
Also, with the gaskets it is much more likely that the iron surfaces start to corrode as they get exposed to the air.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fromme87
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 24, 2015 05:21 PM
whiteyfordzx5
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 17, 2005 01:04 PM
