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Ted
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55blacktie
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The exhaust manifolds on my 55 Tbird weren't leaking when I started tearing down the engine, and no broken ears. They are the original manifolds.
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Big Tim
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The only y block I have seen that the exhaust manifolds didn't leak as you described had the factory style lock washers that you bent around the sides of the bolt heads to keep them from turning. I just chalk re-tightening up to routine maintenance on these things.
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KULTULZ
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They came from the factory metal to metal and there was a reason for that. You ascertain correct surface(s) flatness and go from there. If you want something that will not loosen, you go to tubing headers where you can apply constant torque. Main reason for ears cracking.
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oldcarmark
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Maybe the Manifolds are NOT flat. They can be re-surfaced by any Machine Shop. I did mine because they would start to leak after some use and the Gaskets that I used to seal them would burn out. Not supposed to require Gaskets if the Manifolds are in fact flat and not warped.
 
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RossL
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paul2748 (1/3/2026)
Are you using lock washers ? The star lock washers may work better that the usual lock washer. I am using flat lock washers with Felpro exhaust gaskets
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paul2748
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No problem with using the composition gaskets. I have used them on both of my yblocks with no problems - leakage or breaking. If you install the manifolds correctly, I doubt you will ever have broken ear. I use lock washers on all the bolts.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ
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DANIEL TINDER
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KULTULZ (1/3/2026)
You don't want to use a composition gasket on an exhaust manifold as this will be the result. The cyl head and manifolds expand and contract at differing rates causing the loosening. It is metal to metal or steel shim if needed. Since the manifolds & heads are seldom perfectly flat, the comp. gasket takes up the expansion/contraction slack, preventing leaks if the bolts never loosen. Just make sure to not initially over-tighten them and snap off a manifold ear. The alternative using the factory metal-to-metal system is likely frequent retorquing, though having the manifold & heads milled may prolong the seal (?).
6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA
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KULTULZ
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You don't want to use a composition gasket on an exhaust manifold as this will be the result. The cyl head and manifolds expand and contract at differing rates causing the loosening. It is metal to metal or steel shim if needed.
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paul2748
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Are you using lock washers ? The star lock washers may work better that the usual lock washer.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ
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