Manifold

[Trevor ME]

I had my manifold welded and am ready to reinstall with a new gasket. The mating surface was resurfaced but there are some areas on the ends where it has some pitting. Do you think I should just use the gasket and snug it up or should I coat the area with some type of gasket sealer?

 

[Jerry/MT]

The manifold gets pretty hot so I don"t know what kind of sealer would do any good. Just snug it down to the correct torque and recheck the torque after the first hour and then after the first 5 hours, retorquing if it not per spec. You"ll want to use anti-seize on the studs.

 

[Trevor ME]

Thanks, sort of what I figured. Not sure I can get a torque wrench on some of those nuts at the top, had a devil of a time getting them off with the small space and a box end wrench. I'll have to give it my best guestimate from the feel of the ones I can get to. I plan to use anti sieze and stainless nuts to make things easier next time.

 

[2tractors]

Mine on the to20 #4cyl. was pitted as well, I filed it as flat as possible an installed 2 gaskets on #4 end plus some form a gasket, no leak.

 

[Hollis]

my #4 cyl part of the manifold has been welded also but had jus put one gasket think I will try 2 gaskets to see if it will seal up #4 cyl. and see if it will seal up the small gasket leak thought about replacing the whole manifold but they a quite expensive on (All States Ag Parts) 2 gaskets just might do the trick thanks 2 tractors or is it 1 tractor now, since u sold one? lol take care,

 

[john(mo)]

stainless is great to use for the no rusting but antiseize is a must for stainless hardware. stainless fasteners are prone to galling.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

Permatex Hi Temp Red RTV is what I use on all exhaust work. Hi temp and will stop the leaks. Gray RTV works around oil pans/gaskets just fine.
Those are the two weapons of choice with RTV.

 

[Shane Tharp]

Go to your local Autoparts Store and buy Copper Clad. It comes in a copper colored spray can. That is what it is made for. I used it on my TO35 and had no problems.

 

[Trevor ME]

Thanks to everyone for the input. The fellow that did the welding for me had some type of resurfacing machine that he put it through so it's not as bad as it once was, although the cracks were more widespread to the point where I wish I had gone with the replacement. Maybe if I get a few more years out of it before it blows apart I'll be lucky. Must admit it never crossed my mind to order two gaskets but it's too late now as it's the weekend project to get everything back together.

 

[2tractors]

If there's part of the old gasket that looks decent just cut off the 1 section and try it with the new on the pitted.