Exhaust Manifold Gasket

[blueg33]

I have an exhaust manifold gasket leaking (ticking noise and definately from the manifold) Its only one. My car is not a chim or a griff but does have RV8 engine. I have tubular headers.

Is it possible to replace a manifold gasket just by slackening off the manifold bolts or do I need to take the whole manifold off? The latter means that I will have to undo a flange which has proved to be troublesome to re-seal. It is now sealed so I am reluctant to undo it if I dont have too.

I was planning on using a composite gasket and figured i could cut a couple of slots to drop it over the bolts/studs.

Also, what torque do I need to do the bolts up too?

Cheers

Nick

[GreenV8S]

It would depend on the headers, but if it's tubular with decent length primaries you should be able to spring it back far enough to get a gasket in. If you do that, a useful trick is to tie the gasket to the manifold with some cotton to hold it in position while you refit the bolts.

One possible problem with this approach is that if the manifold or head are damaged and need skimming, you won't see it so may suffer another failure in short order.

[gog]

16lb ft or 22nm torque

[blueg33]

Cheers

Nick