Model A Exhaust Gasket

[Pat_n_Pat]

Hi:

The exhaust manifold gasket on our '29 Phaeton blew out,and I am getting ready to replace it. Les Andrews book says to not install the gland rings and to use TWO copper/asbestos gaskets. Is there a reason to use 2 gaskets? Doesn't that increase the chance of gasket blow-out?

Pat

[JFranklin]

The cheap split gland rings sometimes are a problem. If you can find some solid rings that fit I would use the rings. make sure they are not to fat so the gasket won't squeeze and seat. use one set of good gaskets unless you have a badly warped manafold. The gland rings keep the manifold from sagging due to the weight of the exhaust system

[Pat_n_Pat]

Thanks:

This car was restored back in the '70s. Not sure when the existing gasket was installed, but there are no gland rings currently. I would not be surprised if the manifold has sagged a little over time. I understand that Ford did not install gland rings for a period in '29. Who knows! This car may not have ever had them!

So, is no Gland rings and a single gasket OK?

Pat

[MCHinson]

Pat n Pat,

"So, is no Gland rings and a single gasket OK?"

YES, It has always worked OK for me that way on multiple Model A's over the years.

[JFranklin]

If the manafold is in line with the exhaust ports, and the ports and manifold both have recesses to accept the rings I would try to use them. It makes it a more blowout proof installation.

[Pat_n_Pat]

I checked my gasket against the manifold, and it appears that the manifold has dropped slightly at the rear. I could put a gland ring in the rear and possibly the front ports; any thoughts?

Also, I seem to remember an article in the Restorer this past year about making gland rings out of copper plumbing pipe. I seem to remember that it was an "on the road" repair.

Pat

[JFranklin]

Check with the suppliers if you want rings, or find a friend with a lathe and some pipe. 2 rings might work. I've heard of people making a jig and straightening a droopy manifold. New ones are available, I have one and it fit nicely.

[dwollam]

I had a leaky gasket on my 29 tudor when I bought it. I changed gaskets, used the gland rings, and shortly it blew out again. Discovered the block was pitted. I used a little muffler patch in a tube on the block, used a copper gasket AND a fiber one together and made gland rings out of copper pipe joiners (I think that's what they are called). Made them one gasket thickness longer and also used a socket that had taper to swell one end of the copper so it fit tightly in the ports. Been a couple years now and still no leaks. Sounds kinda hokey but I did it cleanly and one can hardly tell it isn't just perfect.

[Pat_n_Pat]

Thanks Guys:

I have a lathe and can turn the rings. I find the copper pipe option intriguing, too. Have lots of that lying around from re-plumbing our house.

I think I will go take a closer look tomorrow and develop a plan!

Thanks again,

Pat

[dwollam]

My thinking was twofold. 1st, the copper should be soft enough to have a little squish if slightly too long and 2nd, they have no split in them to leak past. I was hoping that would take some of the pressure off the gaskets and so far it appears to have worked!