R series VS. plain jane 259/289

[Hawklover]

Also, is there a one piece gasket available instead of using all those PITA separate gaskets???

[StudeRich]

Also, is there a one piece gasket available instead of using all those PITA separate gaskets???

There has never been a need to do that since Factory Type Felpro, Embossed Steel OR Hi-Temp. Thick, soft gasket material replacements as (Best Gasket Sells) have always worked fine. I have used Both together on the same Engine.

Studebaker V8 Exhaust Manifolds to head, have NO history of leaking at all. Not like a long one piece, 6 Cyl. or straight 8 Gasket.

Beaded Steel Gaskets usually are installed with the bead OUT to the outside, but due to the design of the two End Exhaust Manifold Gaskets ONE has to go backwards, so that they fit properly by dropping them DOWN onto the bolts, open slots down.

[Hawklover]

There has never been a need to do that since Factory Type Felpro, Embossed Steel OR Hi-Temp. Thick, soft gasket material replacements as (Best Gasket Sells) have always worked fine. I have used Both together on the same Engine.

Studebaker V8 Exhaust Manifolds to head, have NO history of leaking at all. Not like a long one piece, 6 Cyl. or straight 8 Gasket.

Beaded Steel Gaskets usually are installed with the bead OUT to the outside, but due to the design of the two End Exhaust Manifold Gaskets ONE has to go backwards, so that they fit properly by dropping them DOWN onto the bolts, open slots down.

LOL I better keep this in mind Rich, for I know this info will be needed if in fact the manifolds have to be changed. Can't wait to see that smoke machine in action!!

[Hawklover]

As an aside Rich, I did have to replace the flange gaskets (with the better FoMoCo type) on two separate occasions due to exhaust leaking from the flange. Now its not hard to know when they are needed as the exhaust noise is most definitely discernible,

[PackardV8]

FWIW, one of the best old school Studebaker mechanics ever refused to install exhaust manifold gaskets, whatever the brand. He said any/all of them would rust out or burn out eventually and the exhaust stayed tighter if installed without any gaskets at all.

jack vines

[Gunslinger]

Mopar didn't use exhaust gaskets on Hemi engines...maybe some others as well but not the Hemi.

[Hawklover]

FWIW, one of the best old school Studebaker mechanics ever refused to install exhaust manifold gaskets, whatever the brand. He said any/all of them would rust out or burn out eventually and the exhaust stayed tighter if installed without any gaskets at all.

jack vines

Jack do you "subscribe" to the old school methodology?

[Hawklover]

Now would it not be amazing if the smoke machine made clear that exhaust was in fact leaking out of the aforementioned exhaust manifolds??

[PackardV8]

Jack do you "subscribe" to the old school methodology?

yes, we do.

[Hawklover]

And Studebaker's resident engineers never took this into account??

[PackardV8]

And Studebaker's resident engineers never took this into account??

Not just a Studebaker problem. Exhaust gasket burnout happens to millions of Chevrolets, et al. My machinist partner removes the exhaust manifold gaskets from the gasket set when he gives the remaining pieces to those for whom he builds SBC long blocks.

A couple of years ago, a customer called to complain about the missing gaskets, didn't believe my guy, bought the gaskets from AutoZone and recently was back complaining the engine has a miss. One look/listen and my guy showed the customer where one of the exhaust gaskets had failed.

jack vines

[bensherb]

I haven't used exhaust manifold gaskets on anything in decades. Just a bit of red hi-temp RTV and bolt them down. Haven't had any leak in decades either. If my manifold and head surfaces were machined flat, less than 60 years and many gaskets ago, I probably wouldn't need the RTV, it does help emotionally though.

[Hawklover]

Well all this will come to a head soon when I bring the car to a shop that has a smoke machine.

[PackardV8]

FWIW, most of the engines which use exhaust gaskets today use ones made of stainless steel.

jack vines

[WCP]

It is my understanding that Studebaker did not use exhaust manifold manifold gaskets on new engine assembly of V8's. The gaskets were available for reassembly after service. That is how I found my low mileage '64 259 when I removed the heads. Any truth to that?

[StudeRich]

Just a Factory mistake or owner or Dealer error.
NO Corporate Data exists on using No Gaskets, it was a bad idea then, still is.
Also, Silicone Gasket Sealer is not designed for Super High Temps. like Exhaust Parts.

[bensherb]

If you buy the silicone RTV intended for exhaust use it is.

[Hawklover]

Rick, don;t forget I speak "Red Ramp" as a second language;-)