Exhaust Gasket

Usually, on new cast iron heads, no exhaust gaskets are found, as the attached machined surfaces seal perfectly. Exhaust gaskets are used after the components are separated during service but replacement gaskets are of asbestos or other material perforated steel. The manifold is much more extensive than the head.

The exhaust manifold gasket joints the exhaust manifold to the cylindrical head. There are two exhaust manifold systems on V6 and V8 engines and two manifold gaskets are therefore required. The relation between the manifold and the cylinder head is protected by an exhaust manifold gasket seal. It avoids exhaust leakage out of the contact and also ensures that the catalytic converter is handled by all exhausts. Flange and ring gaskets show other exhaust system connection points, like between the exhaust pipe and exhaust manifold.

The exhaust manifold receives heated exhaust gasses from the cylindrical head and creates pressure inside the manifold. The metal gasket stretches to fill the small gap between the cylinder head and manifold so that the rear pressure will build up without gas flowing from the exhaust system.

These are fixed to the head(s) of the engine cylinders and covered by a gasket called the exhaust manifold gasket. Usually, the exhaust manifold gasket is a multi-layered gasket containing metal and other materials designed to provide the best seal.