Which side goes where?

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by staged67gspwr, Nov 1, 2002.

  1. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    I am going to change the exhaust manifold gaskets tomorrow but my question is,i bought a new set of gaskets but which side goes where?the one side is a little puffy and the other is flat,which side goes on the manifolds and which on the engine?


    Thanks
     
  2. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    Damn,i`m surprised no one knows which side goes where on the exhaust manifold gaskets?:confused:
     
  3. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    George,

    Silver side goes to the "hotter surface" which, since they are not water cooled like the heads are, would be the exhaust manifolds.

    PS..

    unless your manifolds are warped, your replacing the gaskets, because someone put gaskets in there in the first place.

    Buick did not put one in there.... Two machined surfaces, if they are flat and true, will seal just fine, when it comes to exhaust manifolds.

    the gasket companies want you to put one in... but they make gaskets... don't they.


    I learned this the hard way, when I was putting a 3.8 ltr Buick, in a transverse application, for a mid size Olds wagon, about 12 years ago.. My Boss at the time, walked by and saw me putting the exhaust manifold gaskets in.. and said.. "You don't need those"... but me, being 23 and knowing everything, thought " I think the old coot has lost it... you have to have gaskets.." so I put them in..

    2 months later, I was taking the gaskets out... to cure the leak that had developed.

    And on a transverse V-6 in that body style, that was no easy thing to do.

    The car belonged to a regular customer of ours, and I saw it for at least 5 years after that.. and it never had an exhaust leak at the manifolds..

    JW
     
  4. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    Jim,i dont know why its leaking but i did notice no gasket being there,the gaskets are different than the 455 ones,they do not have a silver side they are all black,the is a flat side and a puffy side,i assume the puffy side goes torwards the exhaust manifold?maybe the exhaust manifolds are warped who knows,i know that it was leaking though,not bad but you can hear it,what do u suggest?


    Thanks
     
  5. Babeola

    Babeola Well-Known Member

    George,

    Many of us have spouses, children, lives and other things to do on a Friday night outside of the computer. I for one am sorry not to have been instantly available for your questions and amusement. Many people have reported good results using Ultra High Temperature Silicone with manifolds or headers without gaskets. It is best to let it set up for 24 hours before starting. Your engine came with locking plates for the exhaust manifold bolts. A tab on the plate was bent over bolt once they were tightened 10-15 foot pounds. This prevented future leaks by not allowing the bolts to back out during heating and cooling cycles. TA Performance is offering locking header bolts that would accomplish the same thing as the locking plates. I am sure they can cross one over to your manifold bolt size. I would not want to see you solve your problem only to have it reoccur.

    Cheryl :)
     
  6. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    Thanks Cheryl,btw what car do u have?
     
  7. Babeola

    Babeola Well-Known Member

    Gasket Position

    George,

    A picture is attached below of how the gaskets go in case you still want to use them. You will use both the puffy side and flat size to the head (just flipped side to side depending on the cylinder). There are two diferent size gaskets in your set. The bigger gaskets fit the cylinders on the ends of the heads (1,7,2,8), and they will only fit one way. The smaller gaskets fit the middle cylinders (3,5,4,6), and they will also only fit one way.

    I currently have no Nailhead equipped cars, but enough parts to make a few. I have also been around a couple in my time.

    Cheryl :rolleyes:
     

    Attached Files:

  8. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    Well finished a few hours ago,so far so good,no leaks thank god,i thank everyone for there help,and you too Cheryl:TU:


    Thanks again
     
  9. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    red RTV where on gaskets??

    Bringing up this older thread as I need to change exh manifold gaskets on DS for my 70 GS455. I tried to see if it would seal without a gasket there since manifolds had been surfaced but there's still too much blow by and noise there without the gaskets. I need to try the gaskets again to quiet it down. Car has stock exh manifolds. I see from this thread and a search of archives that the silver puffy gasket side needs to go to exh manifold side with black fiber side to head. Question is where to use the red high temp sealant? Head side only to black fiber backing? Do I need to go dry on the silver puffy side? Any help here greatly appreciated since I want to do this today. Thanks!
     
  10. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    Evans,i`ve never had to use any type of sealant on any exhaust manifold gasket replacement,they always seal fine with the gaskets,good luck.

    Thanks
     
  11. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    Thanks George! Will try 'em that way and see. Even though I'm home sick from work today, you're never too sick to work on the car, right? To me that's some of the best therapy and medicine. To the shop I go!
     
  12. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

  13. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    Had to share with all my buddies as I just finished the DS exh manifold change job. success!! :TU: Car has never sealed up this nicely in that area before and I am very happy over the desired results. Purrs like a big mean kitten! Thanks George for the help and insight! Sorry everyone about tagging my need on "da nailhead" forum and thread but it sure was relevant to my 455 and situation!

    Sure hoping that the new 4 core radiator install, 160 degree t-stat, new starter, etc will help with this car and get it reliable. I would like to be able to drive and enjoy it without worry of being broken down or stranded somewhere! :Do No:
     

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