Replacing Exhaust Manifold Gaskets - Any Tips? - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• Replacing Exhaust Manifold Gaskets - Any Tips? by Op-Ivy on 01 Aug, 2012 22:00
• I am about to replace my exhaust manifold gaskets this weekend. I think I am prepared but does anyone have any additional tips for me?
  
  Thanks!
  
  Matt
• #1 by libbydiesel on 01 Aug, 2012 22:04
• Use permatex ultra copper on both sides.
• #2 by CarlosA on 01 Aug, 2012 22:07
• +1 on the permatex copper stuff
• #3 by 745 turbogreasel on 02 Aug, 2012 01:32
• I've never had any problem with leaking, but I'll add put them in right way to, they flow much better when not blocking 1/4th of the port.
• #4 by R.O.R-2.0 on 02 Aug, 2012 10:29
• ive NEVER used any sealing dope on the exhaust gaskets..
  
  install them correctly, there is an up and a down.
  
  there is also a head side, and manifold side..
  
  they all go on facing up tho, otherwise they wont clear the manifold.
• #5 by fatmobile on 02 Aug, 2012 12:25
• I don't put any on the exhaust gaskets either,.. but I do put some copper stuff on the toilet bowl seal like Andrew suggests.
• #6 by libbydiesel on 02 Aug, 2012 14:29
• It's probably not needed, but there is no downside and it definitely prevents leaks even when parts are not totally true/flat.
• #7 by Op-Ivy on 02 Aug, 2012 18:32
• Sounds good guys! Thanks for the tips!
  
  I am having a hard time seeing the way that the gaskets go on but I think it will become more apparent once I have the manifold.
  
  Thanks again!!
• #8 by danster on 03 Aug, 2012 14:31
• As mentioned above, make sure to fit the gaskets in the correct orientation.
  They are asymmetric and there is a more pronounced curve at one end and this is to clear the inlet manifold.
  The gaskets do not all go on the same way, ports for cylinders 1 & 2 go one way, and ports for 3 & 4 go the other way, effectively mirrored around the centre of the head.
  Take the time to check they are fitted correctly on all ports before refitting the exhaust manifold. It's very easy to get it wrong without looking closely..
  
  There are early and late type gaskets which have different size holes depending on engine type. Make sure you do not fit the type designed for the small ports to a head designed with the larger ports.
• #9 by CarlosA on 03 Aug, 2012 17:25
• Quote from: danster on 03 Aug, 2012 14:31

  As mentioned above, make sure to fit the gaskets in the correct orientation.
  They are asymmetric and there is a more pronounced curve at one end and this is to clear the inlet manifold.
  The gaskets do not all go on the same way, ports for cylinders 1 & 2 go one way, and ports for 3 & 4 go the other way, effectively mirrored around the centre of the head.
  Take the time to check they are fitted correctly on all ports before refitting the exhaust manifold. It's very easy to get it wrong without looking closely..
  
  There are early and late type gaskets which have different size holes depending on engine type. Make sure you do not fit the type designed for the small ports to a head designed with the larger ports.
  

  
  Is there ever a situation where it matters if the metal is against the head or manifold? Sometimes the gaskets are reversible and i never know which is more important, lol.
• #10 by ToddA1 on 04 Aug, 2012 03:13
• I use the A3 ABA manifold gasket.  It's one piece, metal gasket.
  
  -Todd