Does exhaust manifold need gaskets?

I pulled the left exhaust manifold (1992 4.3 vortec) due to a broken off bolt at the pipe and found no gaskets between the head and the manifold. I had already bought some gaskets at the NAPA store, but had an amazing battle getting the manifold back on due to what I believe must be thermal contraction of the head. It's twenty degrees out and the manifold was about half a bolt hole off from one side to another. I heated it with a torch and got it to stretch enough to go on but then was unable to pull it back far enough to get the gaskets in. My question is if they don't come on it from the factory, do I need gaskets on there at all??? I have some pretty bloody, bruised up hands but will do it over if it needs them.

In my opinion this is a your judgement call. If the mating surfaces of both the manifold and cyclinder head are not overly pitted and thouroghly cleaned you should be alright without the gaskets. I personally would use the gaskets.

By the way they do make spreaders for the manifolds in-order to line up the holes. Chevy is notorious for shrinking manifolds.

I guess I'll leave the gaskets out and run it that way at least for now. It has some more serious problems that I need to address. One is covered in a previous thread and the other may go away now that the trans has been serviced. If not the fun will go on. Thanks for the info anyway.

Cheers

If you already have the gaskets, use 'em! You will be way less apt to develop an exhaust leak with them, than without.

Tom

I guess I'll leave the gaskets out and run it that way at least for now. It has some more serious problems that I need to address. One is covered in a previous thread and the other may go away now that the trans has been serviced. If not the fun will go on. Thanks for the info anyway.

Cheers


Right on.
Oem is no gasket just steel to steel.
Do not use the gaskets.
They will burn out and make thing twice as bad.

Get a spreader bar to spread the manifold if bolt holes does not line up.
Most auto parts place tool departments have them.
Good Luck