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Old 11-05-2015, 05:18 PM   #1
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454 P30 exhaust manifold leak

Hi,

My RH side exhaust manifold is leaking. I hate that noise. Tried putting in a new manifold gasket but leaks even worse now. I guess these warp. Any ideas ?? Is there a gasket material / cement to help seal the leaks?

Thanks
Brian
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Old 11-05-2015, 05:29 PM   #2
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Get a product by Permatex called Right Stuff, I have used it for manifold gaskets for years, plain the manifold down with a file get a new gasket ( fiber not steel shim) and new bolts help. I needed a header gasket on our ARCA race truck at the track one night and didn't have one, everybody laughed at me when I gooped it up with Right Stuff and bolted it on. It never leaked all season.
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Old 11-05-2015, 05:30 PM   #3
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What type of gasket did you use? Try using a metal multi wafer type, torque it once and you're done.
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Old 11-06-2015, 06:32 AM   #4
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I agree with the make sure the head and manifold mating surface is flat, then the multi wafer gasket. Also make sure that the manifold is not cracked.
Frank
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Old 11-06-2015, 06:56 PM   #5
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Make sure it is flat and smooth surface.

Replace all studs with high grade of correct type.

Race guys can suggest good product there.

Correct gasket and careful tightening the correct torque order and level.

Wrong hardware may break or expand when hot so heed advice of the pros regarding parts.
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Old 11-08-2015, 08:59 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IdahoSRT10 View Post
What type of gasket did you use? Try using a metal multi wafer type, torque it once and you're done.
X'S 2 had the same problem they used the standard type that didn't last a year. They then replaced it with the metal/wafer type and have had no problems since. Going on 4 years now.

Tim
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Old 11-10-2015, 11:57 AM   #7
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Warped manifolds are very common in RVs, and well known to everyone who has a 454. Most of the wiser folk give up the first time and just convert to headers. Thorley has a weird rubberized gasket that is nothing short of amazing. I've not seen it anywhere else. I installed them on my 454, no leaks. When I pulled the 454 and went to the 502, I re-used the SAME OLD gasket. That was probably 5 years and still no leaks. Not sure what the material is, but to be able to remove the headers after 4 years, and have the gasket still look and function like new is pretty incredible.
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Old 11-11-2015, 11:05 PM   #8
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is it the same stuff that we see on TV.?
I just bought a can but not the same brand.
Tim
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Old 12-05-2015, 03:38 PM   #9
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Gus68, I don't know if you've solved or accepted your exhaust leak problem but I have a pair of NOS GM welded stainless steel exhaust manifolds for the 454. I bought them before diving into my exhaust leak. I was lucky, my problem was with the A.I.R. plumbing and a heat wrench, 6-point socket, 3/4" electric impact wrench and finally a M22X1.5mm tap and 8 oil drain plugs for a Dodge Ram diesel truck solved my problem.

I'd like to move these manifolds to a new home. Interested?

P.S. I can talk at some length of why GM made these.
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Old 12-06-2015, 12:51 PM   #10
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manifold

Quote:
Originally Posted by OldToolmaker View Post
Gus68, I don't know if you've solved or accepted your exhaust leak problem but I have a pair of NOS GM welded stainless steel exhaust manifolds for the 454. I bought them before diving into my exhaust leak. I was lucky, my problem was with the A.I.R. plumbing and a heat wrench, 6-point socket, 3/4" electric impact wrench and finally a M22X1.5mm tap and 8 oil drain plugs for a Dodge Ram diesel truck solved my problem.

I'd like to move these manifolds to a new home. Interested?

P.S. I can talk at some length of why GM made these.
I gave up on mine. Can you send me some pics? How much for yours?
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Old 12-10-2015, 06:42 AM   #11
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Thumbs up

You say you tried putting in a new manifold gasket. Did you do it your self or did you pay to have it done. If you did it your self then we can talk. If you get the manifold off you will see it is warped. Make a 1/8 cut in the webbing between the ports. You will find that it will come back straight and also let it flex some. There was a GM tech service bulletin out back in the day stating this very method to cure manifold problems. On new replacement manifolds the webbing is already cut. I have done this very thing on different big blocks that i have owned and it works.
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Old 12-10-2015, 03:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsides View Post
You say you tried putting in a new manifold gasket. Did you do it your self or did you pay to have it done. If you did it your self then we can talk. If you get the manifold off you will see it is warped. Make a 1/8 cut in the webbing between the ports. You will find that it will come back straight and also let it flex some. There was a GM tech service bulletin out back in the day stating this very method to cure manifold problems. On new replacement manifolds the webbing is already cut. I have done this very thing on different big blocks that i have owned and it works.
I will get it a try in the spring.

Thanks
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Old 12-10-2015, 10:18 PM   #13
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545 gasket leak

The 454 heads have lots of expansion and elongation. Very important to get the manifold sealed with the proper bolt tightening sequence and proper torque. Important to have the header surfaced at a tuning shop. The longer you wait to correct the blown gasket the greater probability permanent damage will occur on the mating surfaces. Probably would help to install a flex pipe where the header meets the exhaust. The constant torquing of the chassis and vibration coupled with heat cooling cycles contributes to burned out gaskets. I also know that tuned headers can stop the problem of burned gaskets, while providing additional output horse power, if you want to go for the additional expense. Good luck with your
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Old 01-16-2016, 09:41 PM   #14
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Just an added note. When I bought my old HR the 454 had an awful exhaust leak. I just took it to a local shop and had the gasket and a couple of studs replaced. It was great for about a year. Then the noise started coming back. I crawled up under there and found the point that has the donut gaskets were getting loose. I re torqued them myself and have had no further issues.
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