I am about to replce my exhaust manifold gaskets... any hint/tips?

[wade]

Well, both my exhaust manifold gaskets are shot on my Denali at the head. I am about to do this in a few days. Any tips or tricks to this to make it easier? I have NEVER done it!

 

[WHITEOUT]

Get a somebody with small hands to remove/install the rear bolts!!! LOL. I really had a tough time with the drivers side!! Take your time installing them, to make sure not to cross thread. I removed pipe connection to headers before removing them, not sure if it matters or not tho. You need to retighten bolts in a sequence also, and hopefully your gaskets will have instructions for that, cause I don't remember. I replaced my headers with ceramic JBAs, and just had a hella time with the rear bolts. Other then that, pretty easy job!! I also got the header exhaust end to pipes/cat connection gasket.

But they do need to be retightened in a certain sequence otherwise you can end up warping your headers.

 

[bkboatnsleds]

I'd tighten from the Inside out.. Stock manifolds are not tooooo critical like headers are.

 

[blueflamed03]

be careful not to break them off in heads, and get an extra set of hands to help hold it while you swap gaskets.