Which way does a metal exhaust gasket go?

There are no directional markings on the gaskets. When installing Fel-Pro exhaust manifold gaskets, if there is a smooth, metallic side and a composite side, the metallic side should be installed facing out, meaning toward the exhaust manifold.

Which side of header gasket goes head?

The flat side of the gasket goes against the cylinder head.

How are gaskets installed?

Do you put sealant on exhaust manifold gasket?

You shouldn't need to use sealant on the gaskets. Most exhaust manifold gaskets either come with their own sealant (like Fel-Pro's do with the silver looking stuff), or they are metal and don't require it either.

What is a donut gasket exhaust?

For all flared joints, there is a donut-style exhaust gasket that prevents gases from escaping into the atmosphere. It fills the gap in the flare and creates a smooth passageway for the exhaust to go through.

#AskAGuru: Fel-Pro Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

Can metal gaskets be reused?

Once a gasket has taken a set (due to temperature and fluids), it should not be disturbed or reused. It would not have the same properties available to go through the initial compression provided by the joint and achieve the initial seal.

What is the best sealant for exhaust manifold?

Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer seals holes and repairs leaks in mufflers, tailpipes, catalytic converters and around joints. This sealer makes new installations more secure, is shock resistant, high temperature resistant, and is waterproof for all weather conditions.

Can you put two gaskets together?

A gasket is there to provide a seal between two surfaces. Using two gaskets creates another two surfaces that have to seal, and equally could fail.

What is an exhaust flange gasket?

An exhaust flange gasket is a round gasket that is commonly called a donut gasket. This gasket is often used to prevent exhaust leaks between the cast-iron exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe of an automobile or truck. It is designed with a bevel on both sides of the gasket and a smooth, flat inner surface.

How does exhaust gasket work?

An exhaust manifold gasket seals the connection between the manifold and cylinder head. This prevents exhaust leakage out of the connection and also ensures that all exhaust gas will flow through the catalytic converter for treatment.

How do metal gaskets work?

Generally, the gasket has a metal (normally carbon rich or stainless steel) wound outwards in a circular spiral (other shapes are possible) with the filler material (generally a flexible graphite) wound in the same manner but starting from the opposing side. This results in alternating layers of filler and metal.

Can you use a metal head gasket twice?

you can reuse a metal headgasket for sure! Best is spray it with coppergasket!