exhaust manifold gaskets

[shanedy]

got a dart swinger 318 had engine rebuilt Should I use gaskets , sealant or both on exhaust manifold. Used gaskets, with rebuild kit, and had leak. Is some gaskets better than others and I just used the wrong type. Thanks

 

[Tinbasher]

The 360 in my pickup(original engine never been out before)was metal to metal and never leaked. If everything is good on the mating surfaces you might be okay.
Recently rebuilt a 318 and didn't use gaskets, one side was o.k. the other side leaked.
Picked up some gasket material at the parts store and made my own for one side.
It was steel cored heat resistant type. In the past I have used Mr. Gasket heat resistant bulk gasket material with good results.

 

[burdar]

If the manifolds are straight, you don't need a gasket. You could smear a thin layer of high temp copper rtv on the sealing surfaces too.

 

[shanedy]

thanks for replies, will try with no gasket

 

[JoJo]

x2 on what Tinbasher and burdar said.

I've never had to use gaskets myself.