Exhaust Manifold Gaskets.... Yay or Nay?

ToMang07 · May 1, 2015

I'm going to be putting new (ceramic painted) manifolds on, and I need to decide whether it needs (or should have) new gaskets. According to a couple Ford dealerships, there is no Ford part for a gasket. But I have heard a few horror stories of leaks/ticks from people who didn't put on gaskets.

IF YOU HAVE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, with OR without gaskets, please post up, and elaborate if you are willing.

I'm just not 100% sure I want to throw aftermarket gaskets on that might break down and cause what I'm trying to avoid....leaks.

Sideswipe505 · May 1, 2015

In my experience, in anything I do involving gaskets, I always replace them. As far as exhaust mani gaskets, I usually do OEM gaskets sprayed with Copper Spray to make sure it seals nicely.

ToMang07 · May 1, 2015

Sideswipe505 said:
In my experience, in anything I do involving gaskets, I always replace them. As far as exhaust mani gaskets, I usually do OEM gaskets sprayed with Copper Spray to make sure it seals nicely.

Well according to the 2 dealers I have checked with, Ford doesn't make them.

rusty1161 · May 1, 2015

ToMang07 said:
I'm going to be putting new (ceramic painted) manifolds on, and I need to decide whether it needs (or should have) new gaskets. According to a couple Ford dealerships, there is no Ford part for a gasket. But I have heard a few horror stories of leaks/ticks from people who didn't put on gaskets.

IF YOU HAVE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, with OR without gaskets, please post up, and elaborate if you are willing.

I'm just not 100% sure I want to throw aftermarket gaskets on that might break down and cause what I'm trying to avoid....leaks.

I have used the Ford gaskets with good results. F4TZ-9448-A

Rusty

rusty1161 · May 1, 2015

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-OEM-F4...ket-/251923316273?hash=item3aa7ccbe31&vxp=mtr

ToMang07 · May 1, 2015

rusty1161 said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-OEM-F4...ket-/251923316273?hash=item3aa7ccbe31&vxp=mtr

I had seen aftermarket ones, that's the first I had seen a part number for Ford ones. Seems a couple dealers "misinformed" to me.

HBDELUX · May 1, 2015

I have had both manifolds off the engine while it was in the truck replacing/removing old broken exhaust manifold bolts. Both Manifolds went back on with no gaskets and I have no ticks or exhaust leaks from the manifolds. I decided to leave it the way it came from the factory (no gasket). I checked with soapy water a few times to make sure I had a good seal. While I had the manifolds off I checked for straightness and painted them. I did take a small amount material off 1 manifold after checking it with a straight edge. All good, no leaks.

I see a gasket as a solution to a manifold that is not perfectly straight. How long that solution last I cant help.

ToMang07 · May 1, 2015

http://powerstrokearmy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2112

Arisley · May 1, 2015

I know they have no gasket from the factory. However, if I ever pull mine off, they will get gaskets when they go back on.

BlueScab · May 1, 2015

I've had mine off twice now. Installed both times with new bolts and no gaskets. No problems with them at all.

Magnum PD · May 1, 2015

I put felpro on mine. Feel better to have them than not.

psduser1 · May 2, 2015

New studs and felpros. No problems.

Ron's Power Stroke · May 2, 2015

:whs: 20 bucks a set from napa

hwrdbd · May 3, 2015

When I put my headers on I used a set of felpro gaskets from advanced and coated the whole operation with that copper gasket spray ****. Tightened it all down with a stud setup and no leaks yet.