Question from a non wrench turner - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DevilDog Aggie · 09-25-2012, 10:45 AM

Ok, guys, question. I have always but some sort of gasket and seal on surfaces between components. Whether it is carb, valve covers, water pump etc. What about between the exhaust manifold and the block? Searched and have seen both yes and no. On both questions, gaskets and sealer. The exhaust manifolds are new Dormans. Obviously the block is original. I know there have been statements regarding having all ground flat/smooth. That really isn't an option at this point. So what should I do? Use the copper sealant and gaskets? Sealant and no gaskets? No sealant and gaskets?

Thanks guys!!!

dmw319 · 09-25-2012, 10:57 AM

Are you talking about header gaskets? If so I've always only used only gaskets and no sealant.

DevilDog Aggie · 09-25-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmw319

Are you talking about header gaskets? If so I've always only used only gaskets and no sealant.

Between the exhaust manifold and the head. Seen many say one way or the other and trying to find a consensus. If one can be found! :-)

dmw319 · 09-25-2012, 11:06 AM

yep, header gaskets. I've always only used the gasket. Others here may have other views though!

Lee H · 09-25-2012, 11:09 AM

As you have seen, a consensus can not be found. Here's my opinion, with fresh surfaces on both the heads and manifold, no gasket no sealer. With questionable surfaces on the head, manifold, or both I would use a gasket, no sealer.

LMREESE · 09-25-2012, 12:01 PM

I would go with gaskets and no sealer. I've never even heard of not using gaskets.
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dmw319 · 09-25-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMREESE

I would go with gaskets and no sealer. I've never even heard of not using gaskets.
Posted via Mobile Device

likewise.. even from the factory

*Fitz* · 09-25-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMREESE

I would go with gaskets and no sealer. I've never even heard of not using gaskets.
Posted via Mobile Device

My Sanderson headers go on without a gasket, and after almost 15K miles no leaks either.

DevilDog Aggie · 09-25-2012, 02:45 PM

Thanks guys! I'll go with just the gaskets and no sealant.

kcsa75 · 09-25-2012, 03:47 PM

As long as the surface of the block and the manifold are clear, no gasket. They didn't have them from the factory. If you do put a gasket in there, it's likely to just burn up and create leaks.

Hubscrub · 09-28-2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcsa75

As long as the surface of the block and the manifold are clear, no gasket. They didn't have them from the factory. If you do put a gasket in there, it's likely to just burn up and create leaks.

On manifold to head i never use gaskets no problems, only problems i've had are ones that somebody before me installed gaskets on burnt out and leaked.

67ChevyRedneck · 09-25-2012, 04:00 PM

Interesting... NEVER heard of not using a gasket until now...

LMREESE · 09-25-2012, 06:14 PM

I've been inside quiet a few motors and never found one without gaskets. My grandpaw who is a retired mechanic (in business 1945-1998) said he never saw one without gaskets either.
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Lee H · 09-25-2012, 06:21 PM

Willie is correct, none from the factory.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-25-2012, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

Willie is correct, none from the factory.

My 71 El Camino 350 originally didn't have gaskets. Same for moms 83 olds 88 307. No leaks! Those were the only unmolested engines I ever saw. I believe most gaskets you see were installed later on.
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Kurt L · 09-25-2012, 06:23 PM

on the older engines i've never used gaskets because i've found that most of them are flush mounts.[no gaskets] but on headers yes use gaskets. use to use two before they came out with the new self sealing gaskets for headers. never had a problem with them worked great.

big mike71 · 09-25-2012, 07:19 PM

No gaskets, That just goes to show you're never too old to learn something new.

slinginrods · 09-25-2012, 09:41 PM

chevrolet factory tech here.later model stuff(90s up regular sbc)no gaskets.earlier stuff had gaskets.if the head surface is machined,which the later heads are(vortec style most crate motors from chevy)your ok no gaskets.the earlier heads were not so well machined so the factory used gaskets.most sanderson manifolds do not recomend gaskets.depends on the surface quality of the manifold and heads.

**derotoreut** · 09-25-2012, 10:36 PM

My Dougs headers installation instructions said to use their gasket along with a light film of Permatex Ultra Copper High Temperature Sealant.

DevilDog Aggie · 09-28-2012, 09:36 AM

Thanks for all the info guys! I got them installed last night. Decided to go without gaskets and see what the results are. Both surfaces are clean and straight so I think it should be ok. Let her run for about 30 minutes last night and didn't notice/find any leaks.

Thanks again for everyone's advice!!!

Lee H · 09-28-2012, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog Aggie

Thanks for all the info guys! I got them installed last night. Decided to go without gaskets and see what the results are. Both surfaces are clean and straight so I think it should be ok. Let her run for about 30 minutes last night and didn't notice/find any leaks.

Thanks again for everyone's advice!!!

Great, you will need to re-torque after a few heat cycles.
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DevilDog Aggie · 09-28-2012, 12:41 PM

Thanks Lee! Thought I probably would have to do that with the expansion/contraction.

09-25-2012, 10:45 AM	#1
DevilDog Aggie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mansfield, TX Posts: 147	Question from a non wrench turner Ok, guys, question. I have always but some sort of gasket and seal on surfaces between components. Whether it is carb, valve covers, water pump etc. What about between the exhaust manifold and the block? Searched and have seen both yes and no. On both questions, gaskets and sealer. The exhaust manifolds are new Dormans. Obviously the block is original. I know there have been statements regarding having all ground flat/smooth. That really isn't an option at this point. So what should I do? Use the copper sealant and gaskets? Sealant and no gaskets? No sealant and gaskets? Thanks guys!!! __________________ __________________ Rob '72 Chevy C-10 - 350-5.7/TH350/PS/PB/AC Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post5503187 Semper Fi and Gig'em Aggies!

09-25-2012, 10:57 AM	#2
dmw319 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 639	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Are you talking about header gaskets? If so I've always only used only gaskets and no sealant. __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528167

09-25-2012, 11:06 AM	#4
dmw319 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 639	Re: Question from a non wrench turner yep, header gaskets. I've always only used the gasket. Others here may have other views though! __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528167

09-25-2012, 11:09 AM	#5
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Question from a non wrench turner As you have seen, a consensus can not be found. Here's my opinion, with fresh surfaces on both the heads and manifold, no gasket no sealer. With questionable surfaces on the head, manifold, or both I would use a gasket, no sealer. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

09-25-2012, 12:01 PM	#6
LMREESE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ringgold GA Posts: 149	Re: Question from a non wrench turner I would go with gaskets and no sealer. I've never even heard of not using gaskets. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 C10 swb bored out 350 granny 4 speed I come from a long line of moonshiners

09-25-2012, 02:45 PM	#9
DevilDog Aggie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mansfield, TX Posts: 147	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Thanks guys! I'll go with just the gaskets and no sealant. __________________ __________________ Rob '72 Chevy C-10 - 350-5.7/TH350/PS/PB/AC Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post5503187 Semper Fi and Gig'em Aggies!

09-25-2012, 03:47 PM	#10
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: Question from a non wrench turner As long as the surface of the block and the manifold are clear, no gasket. They didn't have them from the factory. If you do put a gasket in there, it's likely to just burn up and create leaks. __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.*

09-25-2012, 04:00 PM	#12
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Interesting... NEVER heard of not using a gasket until now... __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

09-25-2012, 06:14 PM	#13
LMREESE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ringgold GA Posts: 149	Re: Question from a non wrench turner I've been inside quiet a few motors and never found one without gaskets. My grandpaw who is a retired mechanic (in business 1945-1998) said he never saw one without gaskets either. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 C10 swb bored out 350 granny 4 speed I come from a long line of moonshiners

09-25-2012, 06:21 PM	#14
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Willie is correct, none from the factory. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

09-25-2012, 06:23 PM	#16
Kurt L Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: ne florida Posts: 2,665	Re: Question from a non wrench turner on the older engines i've never used gaskets because i've found that most of them are flush mounts.[no gaskets] but on headers yes use gaskets. use to use two before they came out with the new self sealing gaskets for headers. never had a problem with them worked great.

09-25-2012, 07:19 PM	#17
big mike71 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: independence mo Posts: 2,111	Re: Question from a non wrench turner No gaskets, That just goes to show you're never too old to learn something new. __________________ I'm not as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was.

09-25-2012, 09:41 PM	#18
slinginrods Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: flagler beach,florida Posts: 176	Re: Question from a non wrench turner chevrolet factory tech here.later model stuff(90s up regular sbc)no gaskets.earlier stuff had gaskets.if the head surface is machined,which the later heads are(vortec style most crate motors from chevy)your ok no gaskets.the earlier heads were not so well machined so the factory used gaskets.most sanderson manifolds do not recomend gaskets.depends on the surface quality of the manifold and heads.

09-25-2012, 10:36 PM	#19
derotoreut Roto Reuter thats the name... Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Darien, NY Posts: 1,853	Re: Question from a non wrench turner My Dougs headers installation instructions said to use their gasket along with a light film of Permatex Ultra Copper High Temperature Sealant. __________________ ~ Dan My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977

09-28-2012, 09:36 AM	#20
DevilDog Aggie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mansfield, TX Posts: 147	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Thanks for all the info guys! I got them installed last night. Decided to go without gaskets and see what the results are. Both surfaces are clean and straight so I think it should be ok. Let her run for about 30 minutes last night and didn't notice/find any leaks. Thanks again for everyone's advice!!! __________________ __________________ Rob '72 Chevy C-10 - 350-5.7/TH350/PS/PB/AC Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post5503187 Semper Fi and Gig'em Aggies!



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09-28-2012, 12:41 PM	#22
DevilDog Aggie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mansfield, TX Posts: 147	Re: Question from a non wrench turner Thanks Lee! Thought I probably would have to do that with the expansion/contraction. __________________ __________________ Rob '72 Chevy C-10 - 350-5.7/TH350/PS/PB/AC Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post5503187 Semper Fi and Gig'em Aggies!

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