Exhaust leak

After rebuild and installing engine I have an exhaust leak around manifold to head.Russ Martin says not to use gasket because it will crack the manifold.Anybody had this problem,and any ideas on the fix.Thanks T.Nugent roa 12969...

Pull the manifold and put a straight edge across it. You can get it shaved down at a machine shop to make it flat. If its the head eeeww take the head off and they can machine that too

You can put a gasket in place, but be careful as you torque it down. Do it in small increments and follow a pattern (inner bolts first toward outer)

These were not designed for gaskets so its most preferred not to use them. If you do, follow exactly as Chris mentioned and use good judgement when tightening the bolts drawing up a little at a time. Its not uncommon for gaskets to blow out after awhile if they are used.

I have trued manifolds using a high quality long flat file designed for smoother finishes. Keep it flat and always have contact with two ports. Never file one at a time. File just until surfaces show a smooth even bright sheen. Then use a straight edge that spans all 4 ports to make sure they are all even. If the head surfaces need trued it becomes more difficult and may or may not be able to get trued on the car.

Though its too late for you, for anyone else doing a rebuild truing both of these mating surfaces should be part of the engine rebuild. The 430 engines are the same way.

No gaskets on mine since around 1994 when I tried them on the Riviera. It blew. Be sure to install the factory style bolt locks or you might have to snug them up every couple of years.

Bernie