Engine Mechanical
Exhaust Manifold Gasket
An exhaust manifold gasket seals the joint between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold so hot gases stay inside the exhaust. We list 37 exhaust manifold gaskets from $8 to $146 for 1991-2022 vehicles, from Felpro, VR Gaskets, AC Delco and Mopar, with fits for the Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Ford F150 and Land Rover Discovery.
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Signs of a leaking gasket
A leaking manifold gasket usually ticks or taps, loudest on a cold engine and at acceleration. You may smell exhaust under the hood, see black soot marks around the leaking port, or notice a louder exhaust note. A leak ahead of the upstream O2 sensor can let in air that upsets fuel trims and sets codes. Broken studs and warped manifolds often cause gasket leaks, so check both while the manifold is off.
Left, right and set contents
Gaskets are listed for the left, right or front, and many are sold as sets covering both sides. Some sets add related seals, such as EGR tube gaskets, EGR valve gaskets or air injection seals. Collector gaskets, which seal the manifold outlet to the down pipe, are not included with the listings that say so. Port shape and gasket material matter, so compare the new gasket against your old one before installing it.
Installation tips
Work on a cold engine. Soak the studs with penetrating oil and remove nuts slowly to avoid snapping studs. Scrape the head and manifold surfaces clean without gouging them, and check the manifold for warping with a straightedge. A warped manifold will leak again even with a new gasket. Choose your year, make and model and check the fitment table for engine. Tighten the bolts to the service manual torque and sequence.
Exhaust Manifold Gasket questions
What causes an exhaust manifold gasket to fail?
Repeated heating and cooling makes the gasket and manifold move. Over time the gasket compresses or burns through, studs break, or the manifold warps, which opens a leak.
Can I reuse exhaust manifold studs?
If they are straight, clean and not stretched or corroded, sometimes. Many mechanics replace them because old studs are a common source of leaks and are easy to break. Some kits include new hardware.
Why does my exhaust tick only when cold?
Metal expands as it heats, which can close a small gap at a leaking gasket or crack. When cold, the gap is larger and the leak makes more noise. It is a common sign of a manifold leak.