rock auto list two brands of exhaust gaskets: Fe-Pro and Mahle. I used Fel-Pro a few weeks ago and they sealed well for now anyway.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1955,fairlane,4.4l+272cid+v8,1338601,exhaust+&+emission,exhaust+manifold+gasket,5400

Thanks, I knew the main site address but I was wondering if there was a particular set to look for. I've gotten numerous results when I searched parts for some of my other cars.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

The Mahle/Victor Reinz are a special Price. Same thing as the Fel-Pro just cheaper. That's the Ones I bought. They do the Job until they burn out. I bought 2 Sets to have on Hand. Cheaper than buying a Manifold. Can Manifolds be fixed by Machining? Anyone know?

  

http://stores.ebay.com/Soupys-Gaskets
I've been using these for years with great results.
I'm sure you can find a machine shop that could mill the flange..

I missed seeing this post. That's a great price!
Thanks.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

I replaced the passenger side gasket. If it wasn't for the rear bolt it would have been real easy. It wasn't after I replaced the gasket that I realized I should have replaced the exhaust pipe gasket at that time. There's no way to get pipes off with the manifolds installed. If the studs would have come out with the nuts then there might have been a chance.
I haven't driven it yet since it was raining today. Maybe next Saturday will be nicer.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

If You take the Rocker Cover off that last Bolt is easy using a "Stubby" 9/16 Wrench. A regular 9/16 can be used for final tightening.. The Flange Gasket should be replaceable if You can undo the Nuts from Studs. If You have to undo the Muffler Hanger that should allow enough movement to pull Pipe down.Otherwise undo the Nuts and take the Exhaust Manifold off. Its about the same amount of Time I think.

  

I did have the rocker off for the rear bolt and it was easier than the time I was tightening it. It made a difference. I also used a shorter box wrench although not a stubby so I used my favorite offset 9/16 to finish tightening it.
The exhaust pipe runs through a section of the frame so there's not enough room for the pipe to drop down enough with the studs in place. I'm hoping the passenger gasket was the problem.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

I had a chance to drive it today. Same issue after replacing the passenger side gasket. I'm beginning to think the intake manifold may be the issue because I don't recall hearing any exhaust leak with the original intake. Could the heat riser area of the intake leak enough to cause a sound? That's the only place I can see what appears like light signs of exhaust soot but it could just be heat discoloration too.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

I'm almost thinking about going back to the original manifold and carburetor. Who does good work on T-pots?


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles