Tips On Replacing Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

[EIPtuningR32]

hello, iam replacing my exhaust manifold gaskets because when i open the hood to check things over when the car is running i feel like passing out. there is SUCH a large exhaust leak its crazy. i hung a work light on the hood one night and started the car and i could see plums of smoke coming out from the hood of the car. anybody have any tips, clues, ideas on making the interchanging of exhaust manifold gaskets a little quicker or easier?

[EIPtuningR32]

also, what do you have to remove to get the headers off far enough to get the gaskets off??

[vandenham]

I am just in the process of replacing the clutch in my 78. Normally you can remove the bottom cover off the clutch housing through the exhaust, but mine has big non stock headers and I had to undo them to remove the clutch.

It is a tight squeeze but you can get wrenches in from the bottom to unbolt the headers. I was able to pull the headers down far enough to allow replacement of the gaskets (and was able to remove my clutch assembly one piece at a time).

Rick V

[rjm65]

Originally Posted by EIPtuningR32

because when i open the hood to check things over when the car is running i feel like passing out. there is SUCH a large exhaust leak its crazy. i hung a work light on the hood one night and started the car and i could see plums of smoke coming out from the hood of the car.

Generally speaking, you hear exhaust leaks not see them, and you might get a slight exhaust smell in the engine compartment but not plumes of smoke.

I would check for an oil leak dripping down on your exhaust as the source of your smoke.

[928worldwide]

What up with thee brethren? Take the manifolds off- put them back on. That's it. Just soak the studs with penetrant for a couple days before trying to remove (if rusty at all) Most importantly, take your time- and don't booger them up at all.

[928worldwide]

and yes- sounds like oil from cam tower burning on manifold...

[EIPtuningR32]

Originally Posted by rjm65

Generally speaking, you hear exhaust leaks not see them, and you might get a slight exhaust smell in the engine compartment but not plumes of smoke.

I would check for an oil leak dripping down on your exhaust as the source of your smoke.

i do have a major brake fluid leak from the bottom of the BMC. i also have a new coolant leak which i cannot identify where its coming from even with entire intake system off the car!

[Wclark11608]

Hey man!

How did that replacement go? Im about to replace the gaskets on my own 928. I cannot see an easy way to access 3 or 4 of the bolts on each side. Did you end up removing any other parts to get access? What kind of steps did you go through? It would really help my own planning for this, thanks.

Originally Posted by EIPtuningR32

hello, iam replacing my exhaust manifold gaskets because when i open the hood to check things over when the car is running i feel like passing out. there is SUCH a large exhaust leak its crazy. i hung a work light on the hood one night and started the car and i could see plums of smoke coming out from the hood of the car. anybody have any tips, clues, ideas on making the interchanging of exhaust manifold gaskets a little quicker or easier?

[NeoAura]

You're doing the right thing by replacing the gasket. To make it easier:
- Soak bolts with penetrating oil in advance
- Use proper tools like wobble extensions
- Clean gasket surfaces well
- Follow torque specs
- Inspect the manifold for cracks or warping
- Take photos during disassembly for easier reassembly.

It’s a tricky job, but totally doable with patience.