Gaskets seal
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 102
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From: Victoria, Australia.
Gaskets seal
Hi there guys I've been getting lots of research about torque values ect. But I'm also unsure weather I slip the gasket into the exhaust headers and tighten the bolts or do I need to use silicone as well as the gasket, when I pulled the old gasket out today I realised there was silicone on the old gasket so I'm not sure if I need to put silicone aswell as a gasket?
Also when tightening the bolts do I start from the 2 end bolts and work my way inwards or the opposite start from the middle and work outwards?
BTW the engine is 351 Cleveland.
Thank you very much
Also when tightening the bolts do I start from the 2 end bolts and work my way inwards or the opposite start from the middle and work outwards?
BTW the engine is 351 Cleveland.
Thank you very much
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Do NOT start with the end bolts!! That is exactly backwards. Start with the two center bolts and go in an ever-increasing spiral outwards.
The reason for that is to ensure you don't put the part in a bind, but instead let it lay against the other part naturally. Let's say the manifold is warped and the ends are closer to the block than the middle. If you start with the two end bolts and then try to pull the middle in you will put a lot of force on the bolts and the manifold, and may even break the manifold or find it won't reach the block. But if you start in the center, then do the next two bolts towards to the outside, and continue on that way you'll lay the manifold down nicely against the block all along the mating surface.
This approach is used for all torque sequences I've seen, regardless of the part or brand.
The reason for that is to ensure you don't put the part in a bind, but instead let it lay against the other part naturally. Let's say the manifold is warped and the ends are closer to the block than the middle. If you start with the two end bolts and then try to pull the middle in you will put a lot of force on the bolts and the manifold, and may even break the manifold or find it won't reach the block. But if you start in the center, then do the next two bolts towards to the outside, and continue on that way you'll lay the manifold down nicely against the block all along the mating surface.
This approach is used for all torque sequences I've seen, regardless of the part or brand.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
On some of these exhaust manifolds, you will find just a couple of the bolt holes fit the bolts, all the others are way bigger than they should be. I am thinking the smaller holes align the manifold to the engine and the other larger holes allow for expansion.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
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High temp RTV (the red stuff) works great as a substitute for exhaust gaskets. Its all I've ever used for the manifolds on small block Fords and Chevys. Just clean both surfaces, lay a bead of red silicone on the manifold and put it on without a gasket. I've been doing them that way for years and have rarely had any problems but I've seen lots of those fiber gaskets burn out. Metal gaskets are best but if they aren't available for the engine I'm working on I use high temp RTV instead.
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
High temp RTV (the red stuff) works great as a substitute for exhaust gaskets. Its all I've ever used for the manifolds on small block Fords and Chevys. Just clean both surfaces, lay a bead of red silicone on the manifold and put it on without a gasket. I've been doing them that way for years and have rarely had any problems but I've seen lots of those fiber gaskets burn out. Metal gaskets are best but if they aren't available for the engine I'm working on I use high temp RTV instead.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,491
Likes: 26
From: Algona,WA
We bought a set of Sanderson headers for our '64 Galaxie. The instructions say to run a 1/4" bead of silicone all around the headers ports edges and let them sit for 24 hours before installing. Haven't put those on yet, but we'll see how well that works.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,491
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From: Algona,WA
If we can ever get back to working on that car I will lol. We've had it since August 1999 and it still isn't done. And all we've done is rear end rebuild, brakes, re do the interior completely and got the old engine and trans out. Always something else in life going on, or something else breaking down. Or lack of funds lol.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,575
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From: Broken Arrow , OK
If we can ever get back to working on that car I will lol. We've had it since August 1999 and it still isn't done. And all we've done is rear end rebuild, brakes, re do the interior completely and got the old engine and trans out. Always something else in life going on, or something else breaking down. Or lack of funds lol.
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