Manifold installation

howie123

howie123

Senior Member
I just got my manifold back from the machine shop. Got new gaskets, two peice with copper on both sides and asbestos like material sealed in between. Should I use any kind of sealer on the gasket when installing? Does it matter which side of the gasket faces the block? Thanks. Howie
 
Don't use sealer on the gasket but make sure the block surface is clean and free of crude. The copper side should face out from what I can remember. Make sure when you put the bolts and washer on that you spread even pressure amount all bolts/sides... i.e don't tighten 1 bolt then start the other side or you might warp the manifold again. My engine rebuilder told me to torque them to 45tflbs
 
i don't believe it matters on the copper which way. i usually like to replace the nuts and beveled washers. (it looks better also) remember the dish is up on the washers and i don't like torquing the nuts i go by mechanics feel.. run the car and go over them again
 
Mitch//pa said:
... remember the dish is up on the washers ...
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Whoa, we better get a concensus on this. The nut tightens against the convex (peaked) side of the nut; the concave side of the nut (hollow or cave-like) goes against the manifold ears.

I recommend only bolting the two manifolds loosely together prior to mounting them, so they can float and each find their best fit to the side of the block. Others may disagree. Also, be careful not to overtighten; it's not hard to bust the ears off the manifold.

Steve
 
steve you are correct look at it like a dish...... dish is up.
when i rebuild my automatics certain clutch pack return springs are concave it usually goes dish down...
sorry if my terminology threw you off its a transmission slang
 
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Cupped side towards the manifold always, that helps to even the pressure on both ears and avoids a broken ear. I would not torque over 35#. It is not going to rattle off or blow off unless your exhaust system is plugged up!

( manifold
 
steve s said:
Gollly, now I'm wondering if I've been eating off of upside-down plates all my life.
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Steve,
If you have a thin waistline, then you been eatin' upside down.:D Found an upside down plate once under a round cake Pat baked! She said, "The dumb kids was runnin' thru the house & my cake FELL!":eek:
Bill W.
 
I wouldnt torque the manifold nuts to 45#.Just use an 8" ratchet & get them good & snug,working from the center outwards.
 
columbiA said:
I wouldnt torque the manifold nuts to 45#.Just use an 8" ratchet & get them good & snug,working from the center outwards.
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I only do this on my rebuilt engine because it was instructed by him. Keep warranty valid, I do it and so far never had a problem. I should note thought that all the other cars I use to only tighten them up snug but after running the car they can be pretty lose and create a loose feeling. I have done the 45 and have never had any problem with my manifold or leaks and they stay very snug.... To each is there own but it's important to listen to what the rebuilder tells you.
 
Yes, I had the manifolds surfaced as a unit bolted together. I have the mating surface on the block cleaned up. Hope to get it back together this weekend. I get the washer direction. I will vote for concave and convex as descriptive terms. I will report back. Thanks. Howie
 
If you are using brass nuts and you want to torque them, take about 10 lbs off what you would use for the steel nuts or you'll here a bang when the threads strip out of the brass nut. Now how would I know that ;)
 
Mitch//pa said:
Dish up.

Point towards the nut

Cup towards manifold
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Mitch,

Your intentions are good but your terminology is as clear as mud.

Your reference "dish side up" makes no sense whatsoever as the washer is installed vertically not horizontally.
 
Mikeinnj said:
Mitch,

Your intentions are good but your terminology is as clear as mud.

Your reference "dish side up" makes no sense whatsoever as the washer is installed vertically not horizontally.
Click to expand...

Not only that, but to him, his dish side is what we all would call the bottom, or upside down dish.
Yup, clear as mud. Fortunately, there are enough clear answers above to answer the question. JMHO
 
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