Exhaust/Manifold Gasket Problem

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:44 am

Hey guys..
I have a really crazy problem..
I fitted a new exhaust system on to my s13 its the '63 size
Now ... since I've put it in I keep having my manifold gaskets burn in no time.. I mean really in no time..
about 2 weeks ago when one popped it blew hot air onto my electronics which melted + burnt the wires , ecu , ignition timer , 2 coil packs , and and and... the auto electric mac who i took it to sorted out all the electrics and fixed the exhaust gaskets .. R13000 later..

the gaskets are from nissan not cheap aftermarket stuff.
the exhaust is mounted with the same mount points of the original.
manifold has nothing wrong with it.. straight, no cracks, etc.

could the exhaust be to heavy causing it to pull the manifold down or could there be be too much back pressure when changing gears???
I'm totally lost and just wish for this problem to come right.. spent crap loads of trying to fix this and it keeps on coming back, taken it to plenty different people who all send the maniford to engineering and put new gaskets and it blows within a week or 2 again..

ReeceZ · Post by **ReeceZ** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:52 am

slightly off topic, welcome 2d club, is that pic in the avatar your car, cos i'd love to see more pics of it

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:57 am

not my current one.. that one I wrote off on the R21.. rolled it when i burst a front tyre last year.. I never drove slow with it.. had the RB 25 in it..

Charlvdw · Post by **Charlvdw** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:58 am

Is it the gaskets between the head and x-manifold?

ReeceZ · Post by **ReeceZ** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:58 am

Do you have pics of that car

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:00 am

Charlvdw wrote:Is it the gaskets between the head and x-manifold?

yeah its those 4..

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:01 am

ReeceZ wrote:Do you have pics of that car

yeah got some at home.. i'll have a look and post em

Charlvdw · Post by **Charlvdw** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:13 am

Have the manifold skim. Or you can always go at it with a file yourself. The slightest uneveness will cause the gaskets to blow. also check if there isnt a blockage in the zorts(wil not be easy to check). What enjin are you running?

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:27 am

thats what I meant by sending the manifold to engineering.. its been skimmed a few times... its a standard ca18det in this car

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:27 am

Zorts?

poizen · Post by **poizen** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:01 am

i have the same problem my two back keep leaking im busy having copper gaskets made up ill sell you a pair if you like pm if interested they should seal nice plus they work harden so will be good combo also what nuts do you have on are they the right copper lock nuts else they will undo themselves and cause the mani to leak

Gary57 · Post by **Gary57** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:03 am

Watch out with Copper gaskets they will turn your 8mm studs into 6mm studs in no time. You need to get some HT studs.

m.i.g · Post by **m.i.g** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:09 am

poizen wrote:i have the same problem my two back keep leaking im busy having copper gaskets made up ill sell you a pair if you like pm if interested they should seal nice plus they work harden so will be good combo also what nuts do you have on are they the right copper lock nuts else they will undo themselves and cause the mani to leak

when will you have them + price?

poizen · Post by **poizen** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:12 am

m.i.g wrote:
poizen wrote:i have the same problem my two back keep leaking im busy having copper gaskets made up ill sell you a pair if you like pm if interested they should seal nice plus they work harden so will be good combo also what nuts do you have on are they the right copper lock nuts else they will undo themselves and cause the mani to leak
when will you have them + price?

i should have this week not sure on price i just told them to make ill do a price when recieve them

Draco · Post by **Draco** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:25 am

Copper is not a bad idea but I recommend that you use stainless steel, myself and a few others used that, worked great, I used mine with normal celicone and never had a problem.

Also, if you skimmed your manifold it might mean that your surface against the head is not what it should be....of course that is only my mind asking a question....if it's not the manifold surface or the exhaust thats blocked it must be the head exhaust outlet surface....you might get the gasgets and sit with the same problem....

hope you get it sorted!