Is this manifold outlet gasket leaking?

[6T9QDA]

Both sides of the gasket look about the same, as well as the gasket from the other manifold. A little pitted and rusty-looking at the narrow part after only about 300 miles. I'm still trying to chase down an intermittent noise, and decided to take a look at exhaust gaskets. I'm going to use some of the soft aluminum gaskets on the head flanges; what's best for the outlets?

 

[GTX JOHN]

It appears to have minor leak.
I use mainly Cometic gaskets =
More expensive than others but hold
up better for us.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Any carbon outside that fire ring is a leak. Yes, it's leaking.

 

[nutz]

over tightend ?...warped flanges ect.
i use copper gasket sealer on gaskets like those ,a little on the threads is good locktight too

 

[AJ/FormS]

Looks like something is not flat.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

This could be a trick question . "Is this manifold outlet gasket leaking"? So my answer is.

No! It is not leaking as I see it , But it could have leaked in its past.

 

[matthon]

Remflex on manifold, header, collector.