Exhaust manifold gaskets: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace exhaust manifold gaskets

The exhaust manifold gaskets have no specified operational lifetime limit. Their replacement is performed at burning-out, mechanical damage or total destruction. Also a new gasket is installed during repair or replacement of the manifold.

The main cause of destruction and burning-out of the gaskets is high temperature, which is constantly affecting them. Installation of a new exhaust manifold and, consequently, new gaskets, can become necessary, for example, after impact during a road accident.

Defectiveness of the exhaust manifold gasket is indicated by such signs as: smell of burnt gases in the passenger compartment, abnormal sounds from the engine compartment at the running engine. Moreover, failures with engine start can take place, and black smoke can appear in exhaust gases at its operation at high rpm.

During replacement of the gasket it is important to thoroughly clean the area where the manifold adheres to the cylinder head and remove all parts of the old seal. If carbon deposit is formed on these places, it should be removed.