exhaust manifold replacing gaskets

[John G]

mechanical question having problem with exhaust manifold leaking. Saw two youtube videos. one recommended only to use copper sealant and not a gasket while another says to use a gasket with perma seal. your thoughts are appreciated John G

[John_Kunkel]

If the mating surfaces are flat, nothing but a gasket is needed.

[INTMD8]

I don't run gaskets on manifolds or headers.  If they are straight and clean, thin smear of rtv and that's it.

[Nacho-RT74]

Factory didn't use gaskets between manifold and heads and in fact there is no a PN on Parts manual catalogs for that, just between manifold and pipe. Heads and manifold just used Hi Temp sealant

[John G]

Thanks all.  will consider the advice when I attack this

[b5blue]

Remflex gaskets crush to seal and work very well. I had issues, tried all the yabba yabba above but still had leaks till I used them. 

[John G]

Thanks for the advice.   this is driving me crazy!! lol

[472 R/T SE]

I pulled manifolds and have mating surface trued or get another set if it wasn't a #'s rig to worry about.

If it was an original rig with old bolts, I would just take the rig to exhaust shop and pay them to remove them.  I never wanted to mess with it, no torch or anything.
Leave car sit and had manifolds done.  Big city and all.

My problem was always those damn donuts at exhaust connection.  Those things really make your rig sound like shit when bad, lol.

[b5blue]

Remflex there also.    (With new manifolds available you can "buy your way out" of the delema.)