I removed the exhaust manifolds and now I have a slight exhaust leak. I pretty sure I pinpointed the problem to the first cylinder where the manifold meets the cylinder head. I'm guessing this is because the exhaust manifold is slightly warped due to age.

Possible solution.... I'm thinking about getting an exhaust manifold gasket and cutting it out to just use the first cylinder to make up for the warped manifold. Do you think this is a good idea or will I just devolope leaks on the other cylinders?

I checked the bolts and they were tight.

 

I say junk the warped manifolds and get you some shorty headers. you didn't say what this was going on.

 

sorry...351

I don't want to spend the money on new manifolds or shory headers.

 

Bigblack you can purchase new manifolds from many of the site sponsors for around $125 you will only have more problems down the road if you run your old manifolds.

 

As far as putting 2 gaskets on you would be wasting your time as you would create a gap. I know it would suck to completely remove the manifold. Trust me I have to do this on my buddys 96' f-250 with a 460. I had a stud snap off. I do recommend just biting the bullet and doing it right the first time.

 

I didn't say I would be using two gaskets. I said I would cut the gasket and use only a portion for the first cylinder where it's leaking.

I found a new manifold for about $100 so I think it would be a better idea to just replace the manifold

 

Yes it would. It would make no sense what-so-ever to reuse it or cut a new one. You would have to remove the manifold regardless.

 

thank you for your suggestions

 

Any time thats what the forum is about!

 

You could always take the flange to a belt sander to flatten it back out

 

x2--any good machine shop can flatten your manifold for ya for a few bucks. I also always recomend gaskets from Remflex, they are thick and have a 50% crush and 30% rebound to make up for any uneveness, I've never had a set leak.

REMFLEX Exhaust Gaskets: Home Page

 

I've got an exhaust leak on my '97 (yeah, I think I'm in the right forum, it's the pre-Superduty '87-'96 style) F-250HD w/ 351, Cali emissions. Lacking easy access to a smoke machine, I built up an airhose adapter out of PVC plumbing fittings and put a few psi into the tailpipe. This allows you to feel/listen for the leak location. As near as I can tell, it's leaking out the right-side exhaust manifold, front cylinder. However, there's also an EGR pipe that connects right in this same area. Still not sure if it's manifold or EGR. Anyway...

Does this engine use exhaust manifold gasket from the factory? I am thinking no. I have AllDataDIY which lists the contents of the OEM head gasket kit... no mention of exhaust manifold gasket. Then I checked NAPAonline and they sell replacement manifolds (for $109, surely Chinese) "complete with everything needed for installation" which amounts to two studs. Neither of these is what I'd call definitive proof, but it sure SOUNDS like there's no gasket.

So what's up? Anybody Been There Done That? Cracked or warped manifold? Or is that EGR a common, known issue?

I was just about to dig in and start snapping studs, but of course they're predicting 5-9" of snow tonight and I think I might want to drive my truck for the next couple days, blatty exhaust and all, rather than the summer-tired Focus 2.3.