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Exhaust Manifold Leak Madness

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by dane71, Jun 24, 2020.

  1. Jun 24, 2020
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
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    May 11, 2017
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    I don't even know if I care to fix it at this point, but I'd like to see if anyone has had similar experiences or if I'm doing something obviously wrong. My jeep came with headers on it, and I wanted to go back to stock. Got some used manifolds, threw them on and they had a ticking noise under load. I had installed them using the torque sequence described on the paper that came with the new gaskets to factory torque numbers. Figured I would get the manifolds checked out since they were used. I took them back off and drove an hour round trip to drop it off at a machine shop, then did another round a week later to get it and ended up paying $100 for milling and to fix a broken stud. I put them back on, this time using the service manuals torque sequence, and it was music to my ears! I did a couple short drives, and retorqued things a couple times. Well here I am now about 40 miles later, back at square one with a loud ticking noise under load again :steamed: Warped cylinder head or warped human head? Always something on this project...

    Edit: forgot to say, this is on a 258!
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2020
  2. Jun 24, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    What does your head surface look like? Exhaust leak will erode the head too. Factory configuration was no gasket, iron on iron.

    Remflex gaskets might work. The composition gaskets from Felpro or whomever will blow out after a while.

    No year/model/equipment info in your profile or signature file.
     
  3. Jun 24, 2020
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Jun 22, 2006
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    762
    I recently had a header gasket mis match with the REMFLEX gaskets on the dauntless heads. Seeing no way around this i decided to check out copper gaskets.There are some out there but I fear the port profile is for a 231. Ordered some .043" x 4"x24" soft copper sheets.
    Cut the copper sheets to match my ports and the hedman header flanges.After heat cycling and retightening all is good.I think this is a winner except for the cost. mike
     
  4. Jun 24, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    ive had good luck with the dead soft aluminum ones and red permatex on the headers.a little red permatex on both sides of the gasket let it set for a few, and tighten. we used copper ones and permatex on the boys v6.
     
    mike starck likes this.
  5. Jun 24, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
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    Apr 25, 2019
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    401
    may have over looked but what motor do you have? 225? , 304? If 225 and you your exhaust manifolds are 231 EF they will not seal correctly.
     
  6. Jun 24, 2020
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
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    May 11, 2017
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    195
    It's a 258. I should've specified! I was using manifolds plural because I'm so used to dealing with the intake manifold at the same time haha
    They were fel pros so I'll see if remflex is available for my application
     
  7. Jun 25, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Inline 6s are bad about manifold leaks. Not just the 258. Be sure to torque to the head before you tighten the heat riser bolts.

    I have ca 1985 manifolds on my J10. 2 barrel though. Aluminum intake and separate smoother iron exhaust. I converted for the newer improved type manifolds, but they still hold tight after a decade.
     
  8. Jun 25, 2020
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
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    May 11, 2017
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    195
    Ive been thinking that newer separate style might help. Do you think the newer style exhaust manifold would fit with the old intake? I still have the block off plate for the intakes heat riser/egr area from when it had headers.

    Also would it help to retorque things when its hot?
     
  9. Jun 25, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    IIRC you'll have to grind off part of the heat riser flange - though I did not need to do that. With the driver's side power steering pump, you'll need to put a notch in the PS bracket where it interferes with the later exhaust manifold. Bolts up to the aluminum intake, no problem.

    Couldn't hurt. I think that's standard practice with headers?
     
  10. Jun 25, 2020
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
    Joined:
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    195
    Thanks for the feedback as always, you and everyone. Maybe I'll try it again eventually. If it wouldnt erode the head i wouldnt worry so much, but i wanna put some miles on.
     
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