Broken exhaust manifold tab / ear...

[nodemon]

I had a nasty exhaust manifold
leak at middle section, (see pic) with no gasket installed.. Surfaces were clean and smooth. I installed a set of Remflex gaskets and torqued to the recommended 20 ft lbs. I finished up the other side and start to look things over and notice that where the exhaust leak was, I broke one of the ears / tabs.
Does that maybe lean towards the manifold being warped...specifically in the area that broke..? I have another manifold on the way, should I try again without a gasket..? So many different opinions on whether gaskets are needed, or some say

they cause problems.... What gasket have you used or recommend, if needed..?

 

[diymirage]

i always go with remflex, i know they didnt use em from the factory, but those were brand new parts

 

[George Jets]

You can mill the exhaust manifold sealing surfaces flat and install them without gaskets.

If you are a DIY type of guy and want to save money, glue some 80 grit long and skinny sandpaper to the flat surface of your table saw.

You can get them straight and flat, it takes some time. You will see by the patterns when they are straight. Double check with a straight flat edge then install them with out gaskets.

Or take them to a machine shop and have them end mill them flat.

☆☆☆☆☆

 

[RustyRatRod]

Not all small blocks came without gaskets. Some had them. That said, I would have the manifold(s) milled flat and use Remflex gaskets = no leaks.

 

[4spdragtop]

I have always used exhaust gaskets. My 340 i just built got remflex zero issues.
I would chk heads with a straight edge too.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

If you use the rimflex gasket you won't need to mill exhaust manifold more than likely.
If you want to check to see if it's warped.. then take and set it face down on a flat formica countertop or something known to be completely flat and try and flashlight check it or slip some paper under it,if you can

 

[413]

I heard reflex was too soft and thick for use on cast iron manifolds. Then this cracking flanges can/will happen

 

[66fs]

Exhaust bolts are only 5/16. I'd only torque them to 210 inch pounds.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

I heard reflex was too soft and thick for use on cast iron manifolds. Then this cracking flanges can/will happen

Some people don't have a feel for torque when using a wrench. Just go an even amount on each and don't lean on it too hard. Fire it up and torque a hair more if needed.

 

[Murray]

Warrped manifolds can break manifold tabs.

 

[Bodyperson]

My exhaust guy has a big belt sander for cast iron manifolds.

 

[Murray]

No belt sander- use a mill for surfacing heads.

 

[CRUZE 418]

This is why I use the perforated Felpro exhaust gaskets, haven't had a problem yet. My opinion, if they skipped gaskets when new or used a shim gasket, remember, the manifolds were new then. They have a history of warping over time. For my money, Felpro took that into consideration when they designed their exhaust gaskets. Be careful when torquing, and recheck them after a few heat cycles. I do not know what the Reflex gaskets look like, so no comments on them.
You can check for warping better with a straight edge. If something doesn't look or feel right, stop.