Changing the Manifold Gaskets. What sealant?

[stumpage]

I'm in the process of changing the manifold gaskets. Do you need to use sealant with the gasket and Y piece joint? If so what ones?

Cheers.

[brett84]

I didn't use any on the heads, just cleaned up both surfaces and used the metal gaskets and ARP bolt set.
I also cut notches out of the bottom holes (turned them into oval slots) so that you can put the bolts into the head first, then slot the manifolds on top. Saved so much time and will do again in the future when they need to come off

[SILICONEKID340HP]

Just make sure you have the correct gaskets and Nordlock washes are recommended..

Good luck ,you need it !

[stumpage]

I have the hands of a small child so the manifold bolts are all undone, easy!

Soaked the bolts in release agent for a few days and with the help of an old 9/16" spanner that I shortened and a Half moon ring spanner (£3.12 off ebay), no problem. I didn't even get under the car.

Gaskets, bolts etc should be waiting for me at home (Ordered from Racetech). So hopefully should have it back together by the weekend.

(I bet the above cockiness will go as something is now bound to go wrong!!)

[dogbucket]

I used a smear of Loctite 5920 on the manifold gaskets, but kept the Y piece dry.

[SILICONEKID340HP]

If you want to use a paste or sealent there is only one

Ultra copper.

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/170906754414?var=lv...

[Barreti]

I used the same stuff as Daz recommends when I last refitted my manifolds.
My gaskets come from Aaron.C.Reskew on here. They are the type with thin wire embedded in them.

[Dickie Dastardly]

stumpage said:

I'm in the process of changing the manifold gaskets. Do you need to use sealant with the gasket and Y piece joint? If so what ones?

Cheers.

I had the manifolds off mine twice as although the gaskets were in poor condition it turned out the manifolds were cracked (they crack in the middle of the four pipe branch so cannot be seen).

Agree with Brett - no gasket sealant required on manifold to head, only on the "Y" piece; also used the ARP bolt set and Nordlock washers. Clean the threads on the head prior to re-assembly so the new bolts can be screwed in by hand. The "Y" piece can also be tricky to pull together - a small ratchet strap across the manifolds may help with this.

If it's any consolation having done the job once it was a breeze doing it the second time. I would recommend you pressure test the manifolds when they're off to ensure they are not cracked - it’s a simple DIY job. I have plenty photos from when I did the work and would be happy to forward them to you if you want.

Richard