1600 Manifold Gaskets - What's worked for you?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by orangefeeling, Apr 19, 2016.

  1. Hello lovely people, back again with yet another question!

    What manifold gaskets have people used that haven't leaked? I make sure the head and manifold base are flat and clean, but seem to have issues.

    On the WBX I tried the two thin gaskets with Bakelite spacer (leaked) then the metals gaskets (leaked even worse) then the thick fibre ones (seemed to leak through the gaskets) before I made my own out of thick gasket paper.

    On the 1600 in the beetle I tried the metal (leaked), then made my own again which worked.

    So on the bay I've just gone straight to making my own, but they leak!

    So what's the best gasket, and is there any smearing of sealer I could put on to lend a helping hand? The gaskets are cheap, so that's not too bad, but its a pain to get the manifold ends on and off each time, so would like to get it sorted once and for all!!
     
  2. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I've never had a problem with the empi fibre ones. Any bakelite spacer should be above the manifolds unless you have FI. Might you be over tightening? Can't remember torque, but it's not a lot.
     
    brothernumberone likes this.
  3. Last edited: Apr 19, 2016
  4. Thanks, I'll give them a go again, they looked the mot promising at taking out any imperfections.

    I've been guilty of over tightening in the past, but think I've got better now!
     
  5. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    The cheap metal gaskets done up quite tightly but evenly seem to work on mine. It is easier to to do them up unevenly as you have to crush them down and you do up the near end too tightly leaving the other end up in the air. Been there done that once or twice at first.
    It also helps to use the 12mm head nuts rather than the 13mm nuts as they are easier to get spanners on.
     
  6. Nothing wrong with a smear of Hylomar on the both sides of the gasket prior to assembly ... :thumbsup:

    :hattip:
     
  7. Hmm, I've tried going finger right on the nuts then going down a single turn at a time on each nut it turn, so it should be even.

    Might give this a go, could be the helping hand I need!!

    Cheers all, much appreciated as always.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  8. I recently fitted a pair of EMPI EPC's, and after seeing the quality of the gasket kits currently available, I decided to go DIY with thick Gasket Paper. Didn't add any silicone gasket maker or anything else, on recomendation by a local workshop. Tightened up nuts with a small socket spanner, and used thinner sidewall nuts which didn't squeeze the socket against the manifolds. So far perfect, no leaking anywhere.
     
  9. Thought I'd update this thread.
    Since my last comments, both EPC's started doing the proverbial shaft leak (as promised by others already), and I ended up paying double and import duties to get a PROPER pair of Webers in.. I officially have had it up to my balls with EMPI products.. They are cheap and nasty, no other way of saying that. I had to replace a pair of brand new, out the box Side mirrors in 12 months because they just rusted and corroded so badly..
    EMPI QC is seriously lacking and in need of some serious help.
     
  10. By way of an update on my leak, I was just being a numpty and forgot to clean the heads :oops: Manifolds were clean and shiny and flat, heads were covered in little bits of old gasket.

    So some gasket paper and a smearing of some Loctite gasket sealant (like Hylomar but available from the local shops!) and no more leak. Lovely, no popping and banging.
     
  11. I don't think EMPI care, TBH. As long as folk keep buying their carp, they'll keep making it.
     

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